Belfast City Airport CEO slams Robin Swann over “unhelpful and premature” no summer holidays claim

Mr Swann ruled out a foreign summer holiday for people in Northern Ireland when asked by the media.

Mr Ambrose described what he called their “personal observations” as having “damaged consumer confidence” at a time when the vaccine programme was being rolled out.

Mr Ambrose emphasised that a decision on international travel should come from the Stormont Executive, “rather than the Health Minister or an advisor”.

“The health and well-being of the Northern Ireland population must remain paramount as we exit this pandemic,” said Mr Ambrose. “However, Ministers and senior civil servants must carefully consider the severe economic consequences of their public comments.

“As an airport we would never challenge decisions made by the Health Minister in relation to the running of the health service.

“However, we would expect decisions on international air travel to emanate from the NI Executive, rather than the Health Minister or an advisor.”

“As an industry we have been waiting for the recommendations from the Global Travel Task Force who are due to report on 12th April.

“At this point, our expectation is that the Government will present guidance to both the travel industry and the public. It is in this context that we believe that recent comments were both premature and unhelpful.

“These personal observations have severely dented consumer confidence, at a time when our vaccine programme is being successfully rolled out and should enable responsible summer travel to certain countries.

“For many within our society, the thought of an international holiday this year may be a step too far.

“However, for many who have toiled and endured the last 12 months, a summer holiday, following a vaccination, is a much-needed panacea.

“Our sector has been well supported by the Northern Ireland Executive during this pandemic, and we will continue to work with Government to ensure that Northern Ireland travellers are not left in limbo regarding summer travel.”