Ryanair boss blames delays over airport pullout
01 September 2010 09:30
Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary today blamed government delays over approving a controversial runway extension for his decision to pull out of George Best Belfast City Airport.
The outspoken budget airline chief executive launched a blistering attack on the Stormont authorities as he announced that Ryanair would stop using the airport from 31st October.
While the 50 Ryanair staff working on the Belfast routes will be offered redeployment opportunities, Mr O'Leary claimed the move would cost 1,000 other jobs that rely on the operator's presence in the city.
His decision comes after a planning application lodged two years ago to extend the runway by around 600 metres (1,968ft), thus opening it up to further afield destinations, was referred to public inquiry by the Stormont government.
"If Belfast doesn't want (it) and the authorities up here don't recognise that Ryanair wants to invest in Belfast, wants to invest in Northern Ireland tourism, but we're not going to beat our head against the bloody wall for more than three years to do it, then to hell with you," said Mr O'Leary.
In a typically colourful press conference in Belfast, the straight-talking entrepreneur said he would be prepared to come back to the airport if the runway was approved.
In the interim, Ryanair flights between Belfast and London Stansted, Liverpool, East Midlands, Bristol and Glasgow Prestwick airports will be withdrawn at the end of October. Passengers who have already booked can apply for a refund.
George Best Belfast City Airport Business Development director Katy Best said she was disappointed at Ryanair's decision.
"However, passenger figures had proved that there was significant demand for the routes operated by Ryanair and I am confident that we can attract other airlines to fill the void," she said.
Liz Fawcett, spokeswoman for Belfast City Airport Watch, a residents' group opposed to the runway extension, welcomed the move but expressed concern another operator would take Ryanair's place.
"Ryanair thought it could come in and dictate airport policy in Northern Ireland, and we're really glad they've discovered they can't," she said.
"But, while we welcome the move, the City Airport will now be busy enticing airlines such as easyJet to bring more routes to the airport, so any respite from noise for residents is likely to be short-lived."
Retailers added that the pull out was not good news for the region.
Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said: "This is very bad news for both Belfast City Airport and the local economy as a whole."
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