Red tape 'to force up air fares'

Fresh European red tape could force up the cost of flights from Northern Ireland, a local MEP claimed today.

A law debated tomorrow in the European Parliament, Strasbourg, may force 20 UK airports including Belfast International to give more information about fees - creating a bureaucratic nightmare and exposing operators to legal challenges - Ulster Unionist Jim Nicholson alleged.

The European Commission has said it wants to use the new rules create a level playing field to increase competition and opportunities for airlines.

Mr Nicholson said: “Airports could potentially face huge increases in cost to ensure they are in compliance with the new procedures and rules laid down in the legislation. Airports could in turn pass on part of the cost to airlines who eventually will pass the increased costs on to their passengers.”

The airport charges airlines for services like baggage handling and use of the terminal.