The announcement by Ryanair that it’s to close its base at Shannon this winter has been described as a massive blow for the Airport and the wider region.
The airline says it had no choice but to push ahead with plans to close the Midwest base, as well as its base in Cork, due to reduced capacity on flights off the back of increased flight restrictions by EU Governments.
It will continue to operate a small number of flights from Shannon, but 55 Ryanair staff there will be temporarily laid off, as Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill reports.
Ryanair had warned that it would close its Shannon and Cork base if the Government didn’t sign up to the EU Traffic Light System for safe travel.
But within hours of that policy being adopted, their airline still pushed ahead with the closure of both bases.
It’s blaming “increased flight restrictions imposed by EU Governments”, including Ireland, saying this caused forward bookings to weaken for the rest of this year.
In response to the news, the Department of Transport says that government has agreed to adopt the EU “traffic light” system for international travel, with a decision on implementation expected next week.
But CEO of Ryanair Eddie Wilson says the decision is coming too late.
In July, Ryanair resumed services to 16 destinations from Shannon, and as a result of today’s announcement their operation at Shannon reduced to 8 weekly flights serving Stansted, Manchester and Wroclaw for the winter period.
Clare’s Independent TD says the focus now needs to turn to protecting those routes.
Michael McNamara believes Government policy has exasperated the already detrimental blow provided by COVID-19.
Clare’s Fianna Fáil Senator has echoed the call for a change in aviation policy, saying the future viability of Shannon could be under threat if airlines consolidate around Dublin into the future.
Timmy Dooley says it’s vital that connectivity is protected.
Shannon Airport Management have described Ryanair’s announcement as disappointing for staff with the airline and the Airport, and the wider region.
They also say that while the EU traffic light system has been endorsed by Ireland, the proposed measures fall short of what the industry requires.
This, it says, urgently needs to be addressed and supported by a testing regime at airports to restore confidence and get aviation moving safely again.
Local business groups have expressed their concern.
Past President of Ennis Chamber, Will Cahir, and Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes both say it’s vital that connectivity is maintained, and that any routes lost are re-established as soon as possible.
