Shannon’s Sinn Fein Councillor says the announcement that Ryanair is to resume services will provide relief to employees at the Airport.
The airline says it plans to return to 40-percent of its normal schedule from July, restoring 90% of its pre-Covid-19 route network.
Ryanair Boss Michael O’Leary says it’s time Europe is flying again.
Since the Covid-19 flight restrictions in mid-March, Ryanair has been operating a skeleton daily schedule of 30 flights between Dublin, the UK and Europe.
But from Wednesday July 1st, the airline plans to return to 40% of normal flight schedules, subject to government restrictions being lifted.
This will include services from Shannon to London and Manchester, as well as to destinations in Spain, Austria, Lithuania, Poland and Portugal.
Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson says there will be fewer flights to some of the worst affected areas:
New measures will be in place when more frequent flying resumes, including fewer checked bags, checking-in online and downloading boarding passes to a passenger smartphone.
While passengers will undergo temperature checks at the airport and face masks or coverings will be mandatory.
Onboard its aircraft, Ryanair cabin crew will also wear face masks or coverings and a limited inflight service will be offered of pre-packaged snacks and drinks – but no cash sales.
Queuing for toilets will also be prohibited onboard, and toilet access will be made available to individual passengers upon request.
Shannon’s Sinn Féin Councillor has welcomed the prospects of passenger flights returning, saying it will come as a relief for employees at the Airport.
But Donna McGettigan says it’s vital that both the airline and the airport continue to ensure that strict guidelines are followed:
Michael Glynn, Clare FM, first for local news.
