NI airport's social distancing measures under scrutiny

The Health and Safety Executive has asked for details of how social distancing measures are being implemented at the Belfast City, Belfast International, and City of Derry airports.

On Monday pictures of an Aer Lingus flight from George Best Belfast City Airport to London Heathrow emerged showing social distancing measures were not being adhered to.

The airline has since announced it is adding an extra flight to the route and making changes to boarding procedures.

It advised all customers to give themselves additional time to check in, aschanges to the boarding procedure will be introduced and more luggage will be checked into the hold.

Belfast City Airport is the only airport in Northern Ireland carrying passengers during the current coronavirus pandemic.

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland's chief executive Robert Kidd said: "We have been in touch with all three airports asking them to confirm what social distancing measures are in place."

The HSENI is responsible for enforcing and informing workplace safety.

That includes at Belfast City, Belfast International and City of Derry airportsbut does not extend to on board the aircraft themselves.

On Wednesday he told Stormont economy committee members: "I am assured that they have improved social distancing measures and additional staff to help remind passengers as they travel through the airport.

"One of the challenges around an aircraft is the very small and confined space and it will add to the timing of loading passengers on to adhere to social distancing.

"That is one of the real challenges going forward."

The Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for matters involving aircraft.

The chief executive of Belfast City Airport, Brian Ambrose, said it was working "around the clock" to make it as safe as possible for travellers.

Mr Ambrose said Monday saw the first big influx of passengers since the virus outbreak, with 154 on the flight.