That was the theme of comments made by Alistair Lexden in the Lords on 13 March.
He said: “ Does not a strong Union require good, efficient and reliable air services between Northern Ireland and the rest of our country, not least in order to assist the great work being done by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in promoting the cultural and environmental glories of the Province, which are not as well-known and widely appreciated as they should be?”
Towards the end of January many travellers had their plans gravely disrupted by the sudden collapse of Flybe, an airline widely used on the London-Belfast route.
Against that background, Alistair Lexden asked: “Will the Government do everything possible to help regional airlines increase flights and keep fares down for all those travelling to and from this most important part of our country?”
A number of members across the House gave first-hand accounts of delays, cancellations and reductions in flights between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
The Lords Transport Minister, Baroness Vere of Norbiton, expressed some surprise, claiming that “connectivity between Northern Ireland and Great Britain is currently very strong.” She will now need to reflect on the serious points, illustrating the need for improvement, that were made to her.
