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23/02/2009
City Airport Extension Inquiry Sought
The Green Party are pushing for MLAs at Stormont to vote in favour of a public inquiry into controversial proposals to extend the runway at the George Best Belfast City Airport.
The politicians are to debate the issue on Tuesday when the debate reaches the Assembly floor in a move sponsored by the Green Party.
This will be the first time that a planning application has come before the Assembly, and MLAs from all parties have been lobbied by residents' groups opposed to the extension to support the motion.
Fiona McKinley of Belfast City Airport Watch told the Belfast Telegraph: "MLAs have got to be emphatic and clear. Their message to Sammy Wilson and his planners must leave them in no doubt that such a scheme is not wanted by the thousands of people whose lives are affected by the operations of an expanding urban airport."
The campaigners are hoping that the Minister will follow his own lead and set up a public inquiry, such as that just confirmed into the equally controversial proposals to expand the Sprucefield Retail Park outside Lisburn with a John Lewis department store and 19 additional retail units.
Tomorrow's Green Party motion calls on the Environment Minister to set up a public inquiry into the airport extension to "properly test all the relevant economic and environmental arguments".
Meanwhile, Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has said that he is "fairly satisfied" the Northern Ireland Planning Service will approve the proposal for a longer runway at the facility.
Speaking on a BBC Spotlight programme broadcast just two weeks ago, the budget airline's Chief Executive related that he believes the runway will be extended, despite growing opposition to the move.
He is thought that such a development is essential to Ryanair's progress in Belfast - although it also operates from City of Derry Airport.
It is needed to allow him to fill all the seats on aircraft already being operated - but subject to weight restrictions because of the 'short' runaway.
See: Ryanair Boss 'Rejects' Belfast City Runway Inquiry
The politicians are to debate the issue on Tuesday when the debate reaches the Assembly floor in a move sponsored by the Green Party.
This will be the first time that a planning application has come before the Assembly, and MLAs from all parties have been lobbied by residents' groups opposed to the extension to support the motion.
Fiona McKinley of Belfast City Airport Watch told the Belfast Telegraph: "MLAs have got to be emphatic and clear. Their message to Sammy Wilson and his planners must leave them in no doubt that such a scheme is not wanted by the thousands of people whose lives are affected by the operations of an expanding urban airport."
The campaigners are hoping that the Minister will follow his own lead and set up a public inquiry, such as that just confirmed into the equally controversial proposals to expand the Sprucefield Retail Park outside Lisburn with a John Lewis department store and 19 additional retail units.
Tomorrow's Green Party motion calls on the Environment Minister to set up a public inquiry into the airport extension to "properly test all the relevant economic and environmental arguments".
Meanwhile, Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has said that he is "fairly satisfied" the Northern Ireland Planning Service will approve the proposal for a longer runway at the facility.
Speaking on a BBC Spotlight programme broadcast just two weeks ago, the budget airline's Chief Executive related that he believes the runway will be extended, despite growing opposition to the move.
He is thought that such a development is essential to Ryanair's progress in Belfast - although it also operates from City of Derry Airport.
It is needed to allow him to fill all the seats on aircraft already being operated - but subject to weight restrictions because of the 'short' runaway.
See: Ryanair Boss 'Rejects' Belfast City Runway Inquiry
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15 October 2009
Airline To Make 'Easymove' To City
Two so-called low-cost airlines are set to go head-to-head next year with news that Easyjet is to move one of its busiest routes from Belfast International Airport to the George Best Belfast City Airport. The orange and white brightly-liveried planes will operate a twice-daily service to London Luton from 7the January next year.
Airline To Make 'Easymove' To City
Two so-called low-cost airlines are set to go head-to-head next year with news that Easyjet is to move one of its busiest routes from Belfast International Airport to the George Best Belfast City Airport. The orange and white brightly-liveried planes will operate a twice-daily service to London Luton from 7the January next year.
13 April 2011
City Airport's Holiday Routes Opposed
Seven new routes to holiday destinations in continental Europe are to operate from George Best Belfast City Airport - thanks to boosted aircraft engines. Bmibaby will run services to Malaga, Alicante, Palma, Faro, Ibiza, Amsterdam and Geneva.
City Airport's Holiday Routes Opposed
Seven new routes to holiday destinations in continental Europe are to operate from George Best Belfast City Airport - thanks to boosted aircraft engines. Bmibaby will run services to Malaga, Alicante, Palma, Faro, Ibiza, Amsterdam and Geneva.
15 May 2023
City Airport Named More Punctual Airport In NI
The George Best Belfast City Airport has been named Northern Ireland's most punctual airport in 2022, by the Civil Aviation Authority. The data analyses arriving and departing scheduled and chartered flights, with figures for 2022 showing that Belfast City Airport matched in its rankings with partner airports East Midlands and Exeter.
City Airport Named More Punctual Airport In NI
The George Best Belfast City Airport has been named Northern Ireland's most punctual airport in 2022, by the Civil Aviation Authority. The data analyses arriving and departing scheduled and chartered flights, with figures for 2022 showing that Belfast City Airport matched in its rankings with partner airports East Midlands and Exeter.
11 November 2009
Airport's Extra Passenger Bid Slammed
Residents have reacted angrily to reports that George Best Belfast City Airport is trying to get a cap on its passenger numbers lifted. A spokeswoman said this week that the airport's management has written to the Stormont Environment Minister, Edwin Poots, to request that the current limit of two million 'seats for sale' be removed.
Airport's Extra Passenger Bid Slammed
Residents have reacted angrily to reports that George Best Belfast City Airport is trying to get a cap on its passenger numbers lifted. A spokeswoman said this week that the airport's management has written to the Stormont Environment Minister, Edwin Poots, to request that the current limit of two million 'seats for sale' be removed.
06 February 2003
bmi to concentrate services at Belfast City
bmi has announced that it is to discontinue its Heathrow service from Belfast International Airport (BIA) and concentrate resources in Belfast City Airport. However, bmi will maintain a presence at BAI as bmibaby will be including Belfast International as a destination to be served from a new UK base to be announced shortly.
bmi to concentrate services at Belfast City
bmi has announced that it is to discontinue its Heathrow service from Belfast International Airport (BIA) and concentrate resources in Belfast City Airport. However, bmi will maintain a presence at BAI as bmibaby will be including Belfast International as a destination to be served from a new UK base to be announced shortly.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
