Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland omission from air bridges puts jobs at risk says Belfast International Airport boss

The managing director of Belfast International Airport says the British government's omission of Northern Ireland from its air bridges plan puts hundreds of jobs at risk. Picture by Hugh Russell
The managing director of Belfast International Airport says the British government's omission of Northern Ireland from its air bridges plan puts hundreds of jobs at risk. Picture by Hugh Russell The managing director of Belfast International Airport says the British government's omission of Northern Ireland from its air bridges plan puts hundreds of jobs at risk. Picture by Hugh Russell

Northern Ireland's "omission" from Westminster's announced air bridges plan places hundreds of jobs at risk, an airport boss has claimed.

On July 3, the British Government published a list of 73 countries and territories where English holidaymakers can visit without self-isolating on their return.

It includes popular short-haul destinations such as Spain, France, Italy, Turkey, Greece and Cyprus, as well as long-haul locations including Australia, Barbados, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and Vietnam.

However, the policy only applies to England as the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales had not signed off on the plan before it was made public.

In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the devolved government will make a decision on the issue "as soon as we can".

Managing Director of Belfast International Airport Graham Keddie has criticised the Northern Ireland Executive for "remaining silent" on the matter, claiming hundreds of jobs are at risk.

Mr Keddie described the situation as "deeply disappointing and frustrating".

"Unfortunately this has been further compounded by the silence from the NI Executive," he said.

"The simple truth is that Northern Ireland's omission leaves hundreds of jobs at risk at a time when the travel and tourism industry needs to see leadership and support from government.

"This needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency in order to save jobs and save our connectivity."