Belfast International Airport is to close its doors for several hours on specific days in November in a bid to save cash during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The airport will close when no commercial flights are scheduled.
There has been a drop in customers since the coronavirus outbreak.
The following closures may occur in November:
- Saturday 14 November: 11:15 – 6:30pm (open 1pm – 2:30pm for charter flight)
- Tuesday 17 November: 10:00 – 6:30pm
- Wednesday 18 November: 10:30 – 6:30pm
- Saturday 21 November: 10:00 – 6:30pm (will open for charter flights)
- Tuesday 24 November: 10:00 – 6:30pm
- Wednesday 25 November: 10:00-6:30pm
- Saturday 28 November: 10:00 -6:30pm.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery said the news that Belfast International Airport is to commence tactical closures is of significant concern.
“The fact that management consider this unprecedented step necessary, shows the pressures that the airport has experienced during this pandemic. I heard those concerns first-hand in a briefing with the Airport’s Managing Director in September, and earlier this year I emphasised the strategic importance of the Airport for our economy to Northern Ireland Office Minister Robin Walker.
“Today’s news, points to the urgent need for government support to ensure vital Airport infrastructure is protected and can recover sustainably, as we know connectivity is crucial for a regional economy like ours,” he added.