Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has welcomed a major funding boost to support NI’s air connectivity across the UK.

Mr Dickson was speaking after Economy Minister Paul Frew announced a £4.5 million initiative, adding this investment must produce real customer value.

He said: “There is no doubt that air travel has suffered over the course of the Covid pandemic, so it is welcome that aid is being moved in this direction – but this has to be more than a photo opportunity or another chance for the DUP to talk up their plans for connectivity.

“This has to filter down to consumers, creating real customer value and be a tangible and proven investment. I look forward to seeing how this funding is progressed into these actions.

“The travelling public deserves good value for money so the Minister must deliver on that, not simply a hand out to our three regional airports.”