Union’s membership at airport raise concerns over ‘managed decline’ approach to airport

NI Executive must fund infrastructural investment and route development at City of Derry airport to support balanced regional development

September 13th: Unite officer for the union’s membership at the City of Derry airport, Gareth Scott, expressed his members’ concern over today’s announcement by Ryanair that the Stansted route from the airport will be axed, along with that to Faro, Portugal; and a reduction in the flight schedule to Liverpool:

“Unite’s members in the City of Derry airport are extremely disappointed at this news. This announcement has the potential to cast a shadow over the airport’s future.

“Workers have been left concerned for their futures. The wider northwest is concerned what this will mean for hopes to secure the economic development vital to this region.

“The City of Derry Airport is an important transportation link for the City and if developed properly could enhance and compliment the transportation infrastructure in the North West.

“Unite shares the concerns expressed by our members in the airport who are very unhappy at the way the airport is being run. For some time now, our union has voiced disquiet over the poor performance of RCAM (Regional & City Airports Management) ltd who are engaged to operate and promote the airport.

“They appear to be only able to manage decline. Instead we need real ambition for growth to sustain services. City of Derry Airport has the potential to be an assist for the North West but in order to achieve this we need to see a marked improvement in the management, promotion and marketing of the airport.

“Notwithstanding these criticisms, Unite is fully supportive of efforts by Derry City and Strabane District Council and the City of Derry Airport to secure a £4.5m funding for infrastructural investment as well as a £2.5m application for a route development fund. In light of this announcement, there is now an urgency that this funding be earmarked by the Northern Ireland Executive”, Mr Scott concluded.