The FTSE 100 Index drifted lower today as a lack of major corporate news and a subdued session in New York combined to keep investors on the sidelines.

Mining stocks limited the London market’s progress today after a surprise decision by China to raise interest rates.

Heavy losses by mining stocks overshadowed investor joy at Shell’s plan to scrap its historic twin-board structure today.

The FTSE 100 Index weakened towards the end of the session today as poorer-than-expected job figures in the United States cast a cloud over markets.

The London market slipped back into reverse gear today as sky-high oil prices and losses by pharmaceutical companies took their toll.

Traders were struggling to find reasons to enter the London market today as a poor session in New York and fears over higher interest rates derailed a recent rally.

Passenger numbers at Belfast International Airport rose 8.9% in the period between April and June, airport operator, TBI said yesterday.

Another rise in interest rates failed to make its mark today as the London market remained broadly unchanged.

Belfast International Airport operator TBI said trading for the second half of the year had been in line with expectations as low-cost travel to domestic and European destinations continued to grow.

TBI, which owns Belfast International airport, has denied being in discussions about a sale of the company with Germany's building giant Hochtief.

The sale of Belfast City Airport by its cash-strapped Canadian owner was expected to be announced today.

The sale of Belfast City Airport by its cash-strapped Canadian owner was poised to be announced tonight.

Investors were lured back to the London market today as the benchmark FTSE 100 Index gave some signs of recovery after recent falls.

A ROW is brewing over Aer Rianta's advanced plans to build a new 'Pier D' Dublin airport terminal to accommodate low-cost airlines, in the wake of a report that a proposed private terminal may render the project non-viable.

LOW-FARES airline Ryanair launched a one-million free seat sale yesterday and said the promotion would not hurt its profits.

Belfast International Airport has been given the green light to develop a massive business park adjacent to the airport with the potential to generate 2,000 jobs, it announced today.

Authorities in the North have given Belfast International Airport permission to develop a business park adjacent to the airport with the potential to generate 2,000 jobs.

Low-cost airline easyJet today outlined plans to raise an estimated £90m towards a major expansion drive in Europe.

British Airways executives have agreed to cut their pay by up to 15% in a move to help the airline through ‘‘difficult times’’ in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the United States.

French construction group Vinci today walked away from its takeover offer for Luton Airport owner TBI.

The Footsie index of 100 leading stocks has surged back through the 5,500 barrier as tech and telecoms shares rise following overnight gains on the US Nasdaq.

Luton Airport faced the possibility of falling into foreign ownership today after it emerged that French construction firm Vinci was considering making a bid for airport group TBI.