NI 14 day quarantine: Belfast International Airport critiscises NI Executive for lack of consultation

Mr. Keddie said the quarantine rule will inflict further damage upon Northern Ireland's tourism industry which has been significantly affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

“We note with great disappointment and dismay that the Northern Ireland Executive has decided to press ahead with the 14 day quarantine for anyone outside the Common Travel Area without any consultation with the industry," said Mr. Keddie.

"These measures will have very severe economic and social consequences not just on our business but also on the wider aviation and tourism industry as well as on all the other sectors that rely heavily on aviation connectivity.

"It is essential that public health is prioritised above all else, however, we need well thought out, workable measures with clear guidelines that can be enforced."

Mr. Keddie added: “We will continue to work with our industry trade body, the Airport Operators Association (AoA) to urge local and national government to remove this damaging and seemingly unworkable policy at a time when Europe is opening up.

"Yet again Northern Ireland will be left at a serious disadvantage as those passengers transiting through airports in the Republic of Ireland and travelling to Northern Ireland will not be subject to the same quarantine measures and creates a serious imbalance and further confusion at an already difficult time.

"It is difficult to see how this can be effectively enforced or will do anything other than destroy what’s left of the travel and tourism industry.”

The 14 day quarantine stems from measures being introduced by the Home Office.

Home Secretary, Priti Patel, will confirm the details of the initiative later today in the House of Commons during which she will confirm that anyone found to be in breach of the quarantine could face of a fine of up £1,000.

The penalties for anyone breaching the quarantine in Northern Ireland have yet to be confirmed.

The Northern Ireland Executive has been asked for comment.

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