Easyjet challenges airport extension plans

Budget airline easyJet called today for a public inquiry into controversial proposals to extend the runway at George Best Belfast City Airport.

Amid growing speculation that planners are set to give the green light to the 600-metre extension, the operator urged the British government not to make a decision until the pubic had their say.

The runway plan would allow planes with heavier fuel loads to take off, opening up further-afield destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean.

But it has been met with opposition from a number of local residents near the east Belfast hub who claim it would see noise levels rise to unbearable levels.

The proposals are being backed by one of easyJet’s main competitors Ryanair which hopes to fly its larger aircraft out of the airport.

EasyJet’s intervention, in the form of an open letter to Stormont Environment Minister Edwin Poots, comes a week after another of Ryanair’s rivals – Flybe - raised concerns about the plan.

EasyJet UK General Manager Paul Simmons said airlines, passengers and local residents had the right to clear answers on the proposals and a chance to make their voice heard as part of a public inquiry before any decision is taken.

“There can simply be no credence to any decision to back the runway extension until a regional Aviation Strategy has been agreed and what Northern Ireland needs right now is a strategic review on optimal runway capacity overall for the Belfast market,” he wrote.

Mr Poots will have the final say on the plans once the recommendation of planning officials is received.

The majority of easyJet flights in and out of Northern Ireland use the International Airport at Aldergrove, about 20 miles from Belfast, but the airline recently unveiled plans to operate a route to London Luton from George Best Airport.

Mr Simmons posed Mr Poots five questions in the letter:

* Why does the Northern Ireland Government consider it necessary to create more airport capacity when there is no shortage in Northern Ireland?

* Considering that major airlines such as easyJet, BMI and Flybe already operate from City’s existing runway, where does the Environment Ministry see the benefit of a runway extension at City Airport?

* Considering that only one airline appears to favour the extension, what guarantees does the Ministry have that this airline will continue to fly from City airport?

* How much will the runway extension cost?

* Will passengers of airlines which oppose this unnecessary investment be forced to pay for it via higher airport costs?

A spokesman for Mr Poots said the minister would examine the matters noted by easyJet.

“The issues raised in the letter will be considered in the context of the current planning application and a response will issue in due course,” he said.

“The application is under consideration and a decision will be made on the way forward as soon as it is possible to do so.”