To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she intends to bring forward a bid to the Minister of Finance for grant support for (i) Belfast International Airport; and (ii) George Best Belfast City Airport as a result of downturn in trade arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

My Department’s statutory remit in relation to airports is quite limited. These are powers to control noise, control land in the interests of the safe and efficient use of airports, make byelaws, provide for airport constabularies and airport consultative committees and to give grants to assist capital expenditure.

Due to the exceptional circumstances that emerged from the COVID 19 pandemic back in Spring, the Department for Infrastructure was, for expediency and logistical reasons, asked to facilitate the distribution of emergency funding on behalf of the NI Executive to George Best Belfast City Airport and the City of Derry Airport (CoDA). This was the case once again when, on 19 November, I confirmed £1.23m in additional support to help CoDA remain operational.

In addition, in May 2020, the Minister of Finance announced 100% rates relief for Belfast International, Belfast City & City of Derry airports until 31 March 2021. This financial support is worth £2.2m, and £1.7m to BIA in particular.

Furthermore, whilst civil aviation is a reserved matter for the UK Government, the Department for the Economy has responsibility for the development of Northern Ireland’s air connectivity and provides support aimed at maintaining connectivity during the COVID 19 pandemic and as part of recovery. The Department for the Economy has secured £2m for marketing support which is being delivered by Tourism Ireland and held recent discussions with Belfast International Airport to develop Trans-Atlantic and Middle East air routes

I remain committed to working alongside my Executive colleagues, the Finance and Economy Ministers, to maintain air connectivity across these islands and further afield, and to consider cases for support and other measures required by the Executive to support the aviation sector.