Originally Posted by
scottishpoet
I believe the slots FR are returning are in some way "protected" and if used, have to be used to fly to Northern Ireland
I believe the commitment was that IAG would make slots available if an airline wanted to use them to Belfast (and other slots for DUB). If no airlines applies, i.e. if no-one wants to fill the gap left by FR, IAG can use the slots as it chooses [and if another flies the route for 3 years it can keep/use the slots unrestricted].