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Ryanair has threatened to disconnect flights from Cork and Shannon airports this winter if the government does not lift flight restrictions.
In a letter to “the entire crew in Cork and Shannon,” Ryanair DAC CEO Eddie Wilson said the government’s “mismanagement” had exacerbated the damage to its operations.
He said “this winter’s advance bookings in Cork and Shannon, and to a lesser extent in Dublin, have suffered irreparable damage.”
Mr. Wilson notes that the government has promised a review of its Green List restrictions on September 14, but adds: “You should be aware that if these EU state quarantine restrictions are not lifted before the end September, we will have no alternative but to temporarily close our bases in Cork and Shannon for this winter season.
“Under these circumstances, all pilots and cabin crew will enjoy an unpaid leave from the end of October.
“We will do everything possible to reopen these bases from March next year, yes, but only if, these failed travel restrictions to other EU states have been lifted in time for traffic to recover.”
The airline said some flights would continue to operate into Cork and Shannon from London Stansted, Liverpool and Manchester, but at a much lower level.
“We understand that the EU Commission will introduce a new travel policy for EU member states from mid-September, and we are hopeful, but not sure, that the Irish government will finally align itself with the policy of safe EU air travel, “the airline said. said the boss.
Worrying news
The Forsa union said Ryanair’s move was “very worrying news for the Cork- and Shannon-based crew, their families, other airport personnel and the economy in both regions.”
“It reflects the very difficult circumstances affecting the entire aviation industry as a result of the Covid pandemic. We have worked closely with all aviation employers, including Ryanair, to maximize job protection since March.
“We have asked the government to step in to support the industry as well because Ireland’s connectivity through aviation is crucial to its economy. The industry supports quality jobs across the country. “
This is not the first time this year that Ryanair has threatened to close its bases at airports. In June, the airline warned it could close bases at Cork and Shannon airports and let up to 120 pilots pass in talks with unions about job cuts in the wake of the shutdown.
In July, Ryanair said it was cutting 1,000 flights to the Irish market, citing the government’s 14-day quarantine rules. Half of those flights affected Cork, Shannon, Knock and Kerry airports.
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