Ryanair cancels all flights as Derry Airport shut down

THE British civil aviation authorities have temporarily shut down the City of Derry Airport grounding all commercial flights as and from today.

The airport was recently the focus of a mock plane crash, one of the largest ever emergency exercises staged in the North. Police, fire and ambulance crews as well as doctors at hospitals took part in the training involving 1,200 people.

Since then, the British commercial airline authority, the CAA, has been reviewing “variations to safety regulations” in cooperation with the airport executives.

Ryanair last night cancelled all flights to and from the airport from today and British Airways rescheduled flights to operate through Belfast International.

Members of the public booked with other carriers have been advised to contact their airlines for updates regarding flight cancellations and diversions.

Passengers travelling on British Airways flights to Dublin or Glasgow International have been requested to check in at City of Derry Airport as normal for coach transfers to Belfast.

A City of Derry Airport spokesperson said talks are continuing with the CAA to have the suspension lifted as soon as possible.

“The City of Derry Airport is 100% committed to maintaining the highest safety standards. Following a public enquiry in April, the Airport Authority sought clarification from the CAA on a number of matters relating to existing variations with an expectation of continued operation. While this is an exceptional step by the CAA, the airport is confident that a position can be reached to ensure the airport is operational as soon as possible. The public will be advised immediately of any update and it is understood airlines will provide further updates today.”

Despite lengthy discussions between both sides into the evening yesterday, the CAA concluded by imposing the suspension.

Today, City of Derry Airport executives and the CAA will continue meeting in London to review the situation.

Last night, Ryanair said it had no choice but to cancel all flights to and from Derry. “We apologise sincerely for this cancellation and late notification which is entirely beyond Ryanair’s control.”

The company said it was “in intensive dialogue” with the airport authorities.

The recent simulated emergency drill, Operation Exodus, was viewed by 150 observers from abroad when systems and procedures were tested for the first time.