Northern Ireland risks being increasingly marginalised as a travel destination because of the crisis in the airline industry, an MEP has warned. Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson expressed alarm in Strasbourg at the problems experienced in the aviation industry in the wake of the US terror attacks.

British Airways, Aer Lingus and troubled Belgian firm Sabena have all withdrawn services in the North.

Noting the European Commission had given member-states permission to give the industry aid, Mr Nicholson said: "I have always believed that Northern Ireland required efficient and effective air and sea connections to Britain." He added: "I am now deeply concerned by recent events and announcements by British Midland moving to Belfast City Airport and BA withdrawing totally from Northern Ireland."