The publicly-owned City Of Derry Airport confirmed it is working out the practicalities of an "anti-rendition" policy after discussions with Amnesty International.

The human rights organisation is confident airport owner Derry City Council will introduce a landmark ban within weeks that will put pressure on other airports to follow suit.

"I think we can say with as much confidence as we can garner that this will be a first for Europe," said Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty spokesman.

"We are not aware of any other local authority or any other airport in Europe which has a specific anti-rendition policy."

The proposed ban follows the European Commission's backing last month of a high-level committee report accusing several EU nations of turning a blind eye to so-called "extraordinary rendition" flights.

City of Derry Airport was suspected of being used by US agents transporting detainees but was later cleared of any wrongdoing by an Amnesty investigation.

Airport manager Seamus Devine confirmed he is exploring the practicalities of implementing a policy that would lead the way in banning rendition stopovers.