To ask the Minister for the Economy, (i) how many requests her Department have received from airlines and airports for support with route development; and (ii) what decision the Department has taken on each request.

My responsibility is with maintaining and enhancing Northern Ireland’s air connectivity, both domestically and internationally, which is essential to rebuilding Northern Ireland’s economy. In doing so, I fully acknowledge that civil aviation is a reserved matter for the UK Department for Transport (DfT).

My Department is always willing to consider any requests for support from airports/airlines that deliver value for money and are compliant with EU State Aid regulations.

For the calendar year to 12 October 2020, my Department has received two direct requests for support, one of which was supported, through co-operative marketing. This is the mechanism by which we provide route development support. It is delivered by Tourism Ireland and all airlines serving NI airports can apply directly to Tourism Ireland for support.

For the calendar year to 12 October 2020, Tourism Ireland have informed me that they have received eight requests for co-operative marketing support and all have been approved. This includes the one noted above.

Diane Dodds