Derry airport sale 'inevitable'

The airport is owned by Derry City Council

The sale of City of Derry Airport is inevitable, according to the head of a think-tank.

Earlier, Derry City Council said no final decision had been taken on whether or not to sell.

However, Paul Gosling, head of the north west public sector review group, said he believed the airport would eventually be sold.

"The basic problem will be finding someone to buy the airport," Mr Gosling said.

"While routes in Northern Ireland have stood up well, there are serious problems for the future of the industry - for example Belfast City Airport has been on the market for several months but the asking price hasn't been met."

The North-South Ministerial Council had said the sale of City of Derry airport would be confirmed within 18 months.

However, Colm Eastwood of Derry City Council said it was not true the council had already agreed to sell the airport in full or in part.

"We haven't committed to selling the airport - we haven't ruled it out either, it would be folly to rule anything out at this stage," he said.

"What we have done is committed to putting the airport on a more commercial footing, running it like a business and ensuring ratepayers get the best value for money."