Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with Connect Airways about Connect Airways' plans to continue operating in Northern Ireland following its takeover of Flybe.

The Department for Transport has not had any discussions with Connect Airways about the consortium’s plans to continue operating in Northern Ireland following its takeover of Flybe.

The Department will continue to monitor the situation as it progresses, particularly given Flybe’s importance to the local economy and the key role that it and regional airports play in providing connectivity and a hub for local transport.