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Criticism as United Airlines to axe Belfast's only direct US flight

The only trans-Atlantic service from Northern Ireland is to be scrapped in January. It comes afte...
Newstalk
Newstalk

11.15 6 Nov 2016


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Criticism as United Airlines t...

Criticism as United Airlines to axe Belfast's only direct US flight

Newstalk
Newstalk

11.15 6 Nov 2016


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The only trans-Atlantic service from Northern Ireland is to be scrapped in January.

It comes after the European Commission voted to block a stg£9m Stormont funding package to preserve the route.

United Airlines flew from Belfast International Airport to New York's Newark Airport.

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The carrier said Friday it would end the daily service "because of the route's poor financial performance".

Several Democratic Unionist Party politicians have expressed disappointment.

Paul Girvan said: "We have been supportive of the retention of airline routes and direct routes to Northern Ireland and it is hugely disappointing that this decision has been handed down.

"This is a clear example of EU dictating what we can and cannot do. These unelected bureaucrats do not have the best interests of Northern Ireland at heart.

"It is a decision that is damaging to our economy, however it must be made clear that any public money has been recouped."

While Trevor Clarke added: "This news is very disappointing given the huge business and economic opportunities that were available to Northern Ireland as a result of having this direct route in place.

"Connectivity is so important to our economy and I know the Economy Minister will be doing everything to improve air connectivity here."


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