Jet2 will not be flying from Belfast International until it receives reassurances about runway maintenance. In response to the decision, the airport said one Jet2 aircraft had reported “engine related problems” three times in the last three weeks - a period when work on the resurfacing programme had been disrupted due to adverse weather conditions.
A spokeswoman for Belfast International said an investigation was under way, but insisted that no other aircraft - either from Jet2 or from any other carrier - had reported a similar issue and claimed there was no conclusive evidence linking the reported engine problems with the runway maintenance.
The airline has made clear that its withdrawal from the airport is temporary.
Jet2’s scheduled flight between Belfast International and Leeds will now operate from George Best Belfast City Airport.