Bumpy landings by Ryanair aircraft at City of Derry Airport are down to the airline’s pilots rather than the runway, according airport director Damien Tierney.
Mr Tierney was speaking during a Strabane District Council meeting with the Statutory Transition Committee, the group set up to oversee the merger of Strabane District Council with Derry City Council.
The airport receives an annual cash injection of around £2 million from the City Council, a cost will be shared by Strabane ratepayers when the local authorities amalgamate next year.
Speaking at the meeting, Sinn Féin Cllr Maolíosa McHugh said he had received complaints from constituents who chose to fly out of Belfast or Dublin because of issues with the runway.
However, Mr Tierney rejected the claims that the runway was responsible for bumpy landings, stating: “it could in fact be down to Ryanair.”
Mr Tierney revealed the issue had been raised with Ryanair and it seemed to be “specific” to their pilots.
He added: “It seems to be part of their work in getting it (the aircraft) turned around and back in the air again.”
Ryanair said they would not be “commenting upon, or engaging in, rumour or speculation.”
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