Aer Lingus is being urged to reconsider it’s decision to close its cargo base at Shannon Airport
The IAG group has confirmed it will cease operations at the facility at the end of the year as it claims its “Cargo volumes at Shannon have declined by half in recent years and haven’t recovered post Covid.”
According to CSO figures the total amount of freight traffic handled at Shannon Airport has increased by 23% since 2018, rising from 13,600 tonnes to 16,752.
18 people are employed at the facility and the International Airlines Group says it will commence a consultation process with staff representatives to explore options.
Clare Senator and Oireachtas Transport Committee Member Timmy Dooley has been telling Clare FM’s Daragh Dolan that while ideally Aer Lingus should aim to retain the service, it’s vital the workforce receive fair treatment whatever the outcome.
You can listen to the full interview here:
Following a query from Clare FM, Shannon Airport issued the following statement
“The Shannon Airport Group acknowledges the announcement by IAG Cargo regarding the closure of their cargo facility at Shannon Airport by the end of 2024. The Aer Lingus cargo facility has been in operation at Shannon Airport since 1969 and we will be sorry to see the operation cease.
“Aer Lingus, part of the IAG family, remains a valued and long-standing airline partner of Shannon Airport, and we are committed to continuing our collaborative relationship. Aer Lingus continues to operate a range of passenger services from Shannon Airport – daily transatlantic passenger services to New York JFK and Boston; three times daily services to London Heathrow, and a service to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. We will work closely with Aer Lingus to explore potential opportunities that may arise in the future, ensuring that our airport continues to be a key hub for both passenger and cargo operations.
Shannon has a strong cargo operation, and we will continue to work with our other cargo operators at Shannon Airport among these, DHL, UPS and FedEx.
“We remain dedicated to serving our community and supporting the growth and resilience of our regional economy. Our focus is on maintaining the highest levels of service and connectivity for our customers, and we will continue to seek ways to attract new business and investment to our airport.”
