The closure of Aer Lingus’ Belfast base after 15 years shows the harm caused by Brexit to the UK travel industry, a travel writer has said.

BRITISH Airways has confirmed it will increase activity at Belfast City Airport to make up for the loss of Aer Lingus on the busy London Heathrow route at the end of October. / The Irish carrier has been forced to withdraw from the service, with Dublin-based trade union Fórsa blaming Brexit.

AER Lingus flights between Belfast and Heathrow are being axed with a union blaming Brexit for the move.

Certain UK flights will be operated on aircraft leased from Spain, Finland, Latvia and Lithuania.

Leaving the EU has subtracted staff from airlines and airports in two damaging ways

Staff shortages causing havoc at airports across the country have been blamed on Brexit.