This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7734684.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Inquiry sought on runway request Inquiry sought on runway request
(1 day later)
The head of Belfast International Airport has demanded a public inquiry into the call for a runway extension at the rival Belfast city airport.The head of Belfast International Airport has demanded a public inquiry into the call for a runway extension at the rival Belfast city airport.
John Doran described last week's application as "a retrograde step".John Doran described last week's application as "a retrograde step".
The George Best Belfast City Airport wants to increase the length of its runway by about a third.The George Best Belfast City Airport wants to increase the length of its runway by about a third.
Its chief executive, Brian Ambrose, said the growth of both airports "was great news for the Northern Ireland economy".Its chief executive, Brian Ambrose, said the growth of both airports "was great news for the Northern Ireland economy".
If the planning application is granted, it would extend the runway by 590 metres in the direction of Belfast Lough.If the planning application is granted, it would extend the runway by 590 metres in the direction of Belfast Lough.
Mr Ambrose said the extension would allow planes to fly further to new destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean.Mr Ambrose said the extension would allow planes to fly further to new destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean.
However, on Tuesday, Mr Doran said it was "entirely incompatible with the present and future economic interests of Northern Ireland".