Derry airport closed due to safety fears

Flights to and from the City of Derry Airport have been suspended because of safety fears.

Britain's Civil Aviation Authority imposed the suspension from midnight last night following concerns raised during an inspection earlier this week.

The inspection identified a number of problems, including unsuitable temporary repairs to a section of the airport where planes are parked.

Runway drainage was also found to be poor and the airport was found to be lacking an effective bird control plan.

Ryanair has responded to the suspension of flights by cancelling all its services to and from the airport, while British Airways has rescheduled its services to operate instead through Belfast International.

The City of Derry Airport says it is confident that agreement can be reached to ensure its operational status as soon as possible during talks in London later today.