Ryanair to withdraw Belfast City flights

RYANAIR has pulled out of George Best Belfast City Airport, with the airline's boss Michael O'Leary blaming government delays over approving a controversial runway extension.

The outspoken Ryanair chief executive announced the airline would stop using Belfast City from 31 October.

Five routes, to Glasgow Prestwick, London Stansted, Liverpool, East Midlands and Bristol, will be withdrawn.

While the 50 Ryanair staff working on the routes will be offered redeployment opportunities, Mr O'Leary claimed the move would cost 1,000 other jobs that rely on the operator's presence in the city.