All Belfast International passenger flights cease after easyJet grounds fleet

Belfast International (BIA) will continue to provide an important airport hub for the delivery of medical supplies and other cargo despite the loss of the easyJet passenger service, a BIA spokeswoman has said.

The airport suffered another setback on Monday when easyJet announced it was grounding its entire fleet due to the coronavirus pandemic – but the BIA spokeswoman said the airport plans to “recommence passengers flights as soon as practicably possible”.

EasyJet said that parking all 344 of its planes “removes significant cost” as the aviation industry struggles to cope with a collapse in demand caused by the outbreak of the virus.

The move comes as Scottish regional airline Loganair said it expects to ask the Government for a bailout to cope with the impact of the pandemic.

EasyJet insisted it “maintains a strong balance sheet” and revealed it is in “ongoing discussions with liquidity providers”.

The BIA spokeswoman said: “As easyJet – in alignment with our other passenger airlines amidst stricter Government directives on social distancing – have made the decision to cease all passenger operations, passenger flights are currently suspended.

“The airport remains open and operational as we are the main airport for Northern Ireland providing a critical arterial airlink for emergency medical and cargo operations 24 hours a day, all year round.

“We are still working hard to ensure that vital supplies continue to arrive daily so we can help those who need it most.”

The spokeswoman added: “We will continue to provide as much help as we can for staff on the front line and recognise the important work they are doing to keep Northern Ireland supplied with vital goods during this unprecedented crisis.

“We are in close contact with all of our airline partners, government officials and the public health agency and are planning to recommence passengers flights as soon as practicably possible to do so.”

The airline also announced that it has reached an agreement with the Unite union on furlough arrangements for its cabin crew.

The deal will be effective from Wednesday for a two-month period and means cabin crew will be paid 80% of their average pay through the Government job retention scheme.

EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren said: “I am extremely proud of the way in which people across easyJet have given their absolute best at such a challenging time, including so many crew who have volunteered to operate rescue flights to bring our customers home.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure that easyJet continues to be well positioned to overcome the challenges of coronavirus.”