Northern Ireland airports to get new route subsidies
A new fund is to be set up to encourage the development of new direct air routes between Northern Ireland and continental Europe.
The creation of the Air Route Development Fund was announced yesterday (September 4) by Northern Ireland Office Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment Ian Pearson.
The fund will provide investment support for local airports enabling them to reduce landing charges for carriers on selected and targeted new routes. The support will last for a three year period. It is hoped this will help local business people gain access to overseas customers as well as lead to an increase in the number of visitors to Northern Ireland .
Mr Pearson said: “Improved air access has been identified as a strategic priority for economic development, including tourism, in Northern Ireland and this fund will address that need.”
He added; “It will also greatly benefit the efforts being made by Northern Ireland Tourist Board to promote in-bound tourism, particularly in relation to the lucrative short break and business tourism markets.”
Aldergrove, Belfast City and City of Derry airports will be able to make applications to the £4million fund. St Angelo Airport is also be eligible for funding if it reopens.
Meanwhile Ryanair is locked in a battle with the EC to try to save its subsidies at Belgium’s Charleroi airport.
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