Connectivity concerns as British Airways drops Belfast City to London Heathrow route

The move is said to be temporary and a direct result of the coronavirus crisis.

It is understood Aer Lingus, which is owned by the same company as BA, will operate five fights-a-week during the BA suspension.

Sir Reg Emepy said the decision was a cause for concern, particularly as the City Airport is “already reeling from the loss of Flybe”.

The UUP peer said: “The BA link to Heathrow provides us with worldwide connectivity and it is crucial to Northern Ireland PLC. If this turns out to be a permanent move and not a temporary one...then that would have a colossal impact. I urge the Executive to establish a task force to examine how we can climb out of this recession once the pandemic is over, and re-establishing air connectivity must be a key part of any future economic recovery strategy.”

Retired shipping company director and senior NI Conservative Alan Dunlop has described the BA decision as a “severe body blow.”

He said: “Leaving Aer Lingus to pick up the pieces...is far from satisfactory.”

Mr Dunlop said Heathrow is a vital hub airport for NI business as it “facilitates access to the capital for important business meetings,” and is the airport of choice for passengers travelling to all important global markets.”