Ryanair, an Irish budget airline, has stated that it would cease all operations in Northern Ireland.

According to Sky News, the airline, which is owned by billionaire Michael O'Leary, blamed both Belfast airports and the UK government for the decision to halt flights into the north.

The Dublin-based airline stated in a statement that, as of October 30, it would no longer operate any flights into or out of Northern Ireland, meaning that residents in the north would have to drive to Dublin airport to catch inexpensive flights to popular European locations.

Ryanair has previously halted operations in and out of the City of Derry airport earlier this year, prompting this decision.

The airline blamed the UK government for refusing "to suspend or reduce [air passenger duty] and the lack of COVID recovery incentives from both Belfast airports" and announced that they would be relocating their operations "to lower-cost airports elsewhere in the UK and Europe for the winter schedule which starts in November"

Belfast International Airport's spokesperson stated it was "disappointing" that the Irish airline had "decided to withdraw operations from the entire Northern Ireland market .... having had a presence in all three local airports in recent years"

"It has been a difficult period for aviation and a time when consumers need some stability and faith in the Northern Ireland air transport network," they continued.

They remained upbeat, saying that Belfast International Airport "hope to be able to make announcements regarding fresh route development in the near future"