Ryanair has announced it is withdrawing from Belfast City Airport at the end of its summer season, 31 October 2010.

The airline is blaming the delays in the promised runway extension for its decision – the runway extension was due in 2008, however, a public enquiry means that the extension will not be completed until 2012 at the earliest.

Ryanair currently operates five routes from Belfast City Airport: Bristol, East Midland, Glasgow Prestwick, Liverpool and London Stansted.

The ash cloud is back causing disruption to more flights today. Following the closure of many UK airports over the weekend, the cloud is now affecting airports in Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Scotland, Wales and South West England.

A no-fly zone has been imposed by the CAA for airports in these areas until at least 13:00 hours today.

Airports within the no-fly zones include all those in Northern Ireland, Ronaldsway, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and Northern Scotland, Cardiff, Swansea, Bristol and Farnborough. Southampton is also closed with flights not expected to start until at least 13:00.

Passengers are advised to contact their airline to check the status of their flights.

NATS and the IAA have cleared Irish airspace to reopen at 13:00 today.

Manx2.com has announced it is to operate flights to Blackpool and Belfast from 13:00 hours today.

Due to the size of their planes Manx2.com planes are able to fly at much lower altitudes .

To book Belfast airport parking and Belfast hotels click on the links.

Due to the volcanic ash cloud UK controlled airspace is to remain closed until at least 01:00 hours on Tuesday 20 April (local time).

The next update on restrictions is expected around 15:00 hours today.

A new fast-track security lane has opened for business travellers at Belfast City Airport.

The Fast Track lane offers significantly faster processing times through security for bmi flexible economy, Gold and Silver and Star Alliance Gold customers, and Flybe Economy Plus passengers.

The first phase of a £6 million terminal enhancement at Belfast City Airport has been completed with the opening of a new departure lounge.

The new lounge, situated on the first floor can accommodate up to 12,000 passengers a day and offers new shops and restaurants in the retail space which has been increased by 60%. bmi and flybe’s lounges have also been refurbished and re-located.

Brian Ambrose Chief Executive of George Best Belfast City Airport said: “From today passengers will see a remarkable difference when departing the airport. This significant private investment will enhance the customer experience as we aim to stay ahead of the curve in accommodating increasing passenger numbers.

“When the works are completed in March 2010, Belfast will have an airport the city can be proud of and the envy of many other cities.”

Work started at Belfast airport in June and is due to be completed by March 2010.

easyJet is to switch its twice-daily Luton airport to Belfast service from Belfast International airport to Belfast City from 7 January 2010.

Commenting on the announcement Paul Simmons, Regional General Manager for the UK said: “easyJet is committed to Northern Ireland, very committed. We are No1 in the region, but we are not complacent. That is why we want to see if our passengers flying on selected shorter routes would prefer to fly via Belfast City Airport. The only way to actually do this properly is to run a route from there. We will take our time in assessing the passenger feedback and then take a view on how best to configure our operations between the two airports in the longer term”.

Passengers currently booked on Luton to Belfast International flights from 7 January onwards will be contacted by the airline.

To book Luton airport parking and Luton airport hotels click on the links.

Belfast City Airport has announced that it is to become the first airport in Northern Ireland to offer free plastic bags to passengers passing through security.

The current liquids in hand luggage rules require all liquids, which must be in bottles of 100ml or less, to be placed in a re-sealable transparent plastic bag measuring a maximum of 20cm by 20cm.