Airport a 'second class leisure facility'- economist claims
A local economist has described City of Derry Airport as "a second class leisure facility" and has questioned whether or not it is an economic asset to Derry.
Paul Gosling, a leading financial commentator based in Derry, said recent cuts to services on certain routes have left them "virtually worthless" to business travellers.
Mr. Gosling said business travellers from the North West intending to fly to London and back on the same day are finding it extremely difficult to organise. "The City of Derry Airport is now at crisis point, following the cuts imposed by Ryanair on its flights. It is no longer possible to arrange day returns to London - reducing the value of the service, particularly for business travellers who could previously fly to London for a mid-morning meeting and return in the evening. This follows the loss of the important services to East Midlands and Bristol.
"Other Ryanair services to Liverpool, Luton and Birmingham are haphazard and very difficult to organise around. Again, these are virtually worthless to business travellers," he said.
Mr. Gosling also said many business travellers are opting to use Belfast International airport instead of City of Derry. "The airport is now merely a second class leisure facility, offering flights that are very difficult to use for round trips - whether for leisure or business travel. And with flights now typically 185 one way from London to Derry, they have been priced out of the pocket for most individuals and small businesses. No wonder most businesses that I speak to tell me they have instructed their staff they must use Belfast International instead," he said.
A spokesperson for Derry City Council said that recent changes to scheduled flights are a temporary measure. "Derry City Council is committed to growing business and traffic at City of Derry Airport and is continuing with a pro-active route development programme to accommodate both the leisure and business traveller. The City of Derry Airport is an essential regional facility for the North West," the spokesperson said.
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Weather for Derry
Friday 25 May 2012
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