Stewart Dickson MLA said: “Time is running out on this issue and we need urgent action from the Westminster government on Air Passenger Duty to prevent the loss of this key business and leisure route.
“I would also call on the Stormont Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Arlene Foster, to arrange an emergency meeting with Continental Airlines to try and safeguard this route.
“The impact of losing this route would be absolutely devastating. It would be a travesty if we lost the New York flight given the investment of public funds to bring the route here in the first place and the massive importance that the route has for our economy.
“I am glad the Minister realises the importance of the issue of Air Passenger Duty and that she and Ministerial colleagues have made representations to HM Treasury Ministers on its impact on Northern Ireland.
“I remain disappointed however that OFMDFM failed to make a response on the consultation on air passenger duty and people need to know why they did not respond to this.”
ENDS