The director of Derry City Airport has apologised for “erroneously” suggesting Ryanair pilots were to blame for bumpy landings at the airport.
At a recent meeting between Strabane District Council and the Statutory Transition Committee, the group set up to oversee the merger of Strabane District Council with Derry City Council, Mr Tierney rejected claims the shortness of the runway was the problem,
The airport receives an annual cash injection of around £2 million from the City Council, a cost will be shared by Strabane ratepayers when the local authorities amalgamate next year.
Speaking at the meeting, Sinn Féin Cllr Maolíosa McHugh said he had received complaints from constituents who chose to fly out of Belfast or Dublin because of issues with the runway.
However, Mr Tierney rejected the claims the runway was responsible for bumpy landings, stating: “it could in fact be down to Ryanair.”
Mr Tierney revealed the issue had been raised with Ryanair and it seemed to be “specific” to their pilots.
He added: “It seems to be part of their work in getting it (the aircraft) turned around and back in the air again.”
However, Mr Tierney now said he was wrong to suggest Ryanair pilots were responsible,
He conceded that he was asked if the runway length at the airport was the cause of bumpy landings and went to advised that “this was not the case” and went on to “erroneously suggest” that the pilots of the airport’s main carrier, Ryanair, may have been the cause.
He added: “This is not the case. All Ryanair landings at City of Derry Airport are normal and fall within normal safety parameters.
“I apologise for any misunderstanding that my original statement may have caused.”
Ryanair said they would not be “commenting upon, or engaging in, rumour or speculation.”
