Aiport funding ‘will secure jobs’

The chairperson of the City of Derry Airport Board, Albert Harrison said the financial support package, announced by the UK Government and the NI Executive on Friday, followed weeks of negotiations between the CODA Board, Council officials, the departmental officials in London and at Stormont.

He said the support package will secure jobs and services at the Eglinton aiport and ensure critical connectivity can continue during the period of pandemic.

Mayor Michaela Boyle said it will “also allow for routes, which are vital for those who need to travel, to continue to operate.”

“All airports have suffered as a result of COVID-19 and while CODA remains open and operational, it has seen a reduction in the number of services and a decline in passengers over the past number of weeks as a result of the pandemic.”

Steve Frazer, Airport Manager, said it also provides “immediate stability for City of Derry Airport to continue delivering vital connectivity at a critical time for essential workers in support of the fight against COVID-19.”

Mr. Frazer continued: “The wider recognition and support from all areas of government underpins much of what CoDA have consistently contributed towards connectivity and regional development. This remains fundamental, in the North-West as we move towards the recovery phase and investing for the future.”

At present a daily return service from City of Derry Airport to London Stansted is operating (excluding Saturdays), serving NHS staff and other essential travellers.

Updates on flights to Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh are expected once airline schedules are amended.