Flights suspended amid safety fears

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) provisionally suspended the City of Derry Airport's licence following concerns raised during an inspection this week.

The airport regulator identified problems including unsuitable temporary repairs to a section of the airport where planes are parked, poor runway drainage and the lack of an effective bird control plan.

In a statement advising travellers about the suspension of operations, the airport's management said they were committed to maintaining the highest safety standards and were engaged in discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority to have the suspension reversed.

"Following the public inquiry in April, the airport authority sought clarification from the CAA on a number of matters relating to existing variations with an expectation of continued operation," a spokesperson said.

"While this is an exceptional step by the CAA, the airport is confident that a position can be reached to ensure the airport is operational as soon as possible. The public will be advised immediately of any update and it is understood airlines will provide further updates on Friday."

All flights to and from the airport by the low-cost carrier Ryanair have been suspended and British Airways have re-scheduled their flights to operate instead through Belfast International.

Passengers travelling by British Airways to Glasgow International and Dublin were advised to check in at the City of Derry Airport as normal for coach transfers to Belfast.

The airport is an important regional connection with the North West of Ireland serving passengers in Co Londonderry and also Co Donegal across the border.

Among the routes also served are flights to Bristol, Liverpool, East Midlands and a number of package holiday resorts.