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.