Ireland West Airport was dealt another serious blow this week with the news that Ryanair is cutting its winter fight schedule by 80 per cent at the airport.
A statement issued by the airport yesterday reads: "This winter, Ryanair will operate just seven weekly services from the airport following a total collapse in demand for air travel due to the impact of Covid-19 and the current travel restrictions in place.
"Today’s announcement will have a devastating impact on air travel services to and from the West and North West of Ireland and have a major impact on business and jobs, both at the airport and in the wider region.
"Today’s announcement will see the cessation of three routes from the airport this winter to Bristol, East Midlands and Malaga, with significant reductions on remaining services to London Stansted, London Luton and Liverpool.
"The airport board will continue in discussions with Government on the need for an urgent rescue plan and expanded Regional Airports Programme to support the airport in the critical position it now finds itself in and to protect the future viability of the airport."
This year the airport forecast its passenger numbers would reduce to 150,000 - a reduction of 81 per cent on the number that used the airport in 2019. Management also forecast that the airport will sustain record losses of €5 million this year, with the airport revenues declining by €11 million in 2020.
