A prominent figure in the International Air Transport Association says further incentives are needed from Government to ensure the restoration of all pre-pandemic routes to Shannon Airport.
The Omicron variant and subsequent restrictions has led to sharp drops in air ticket sales in both December and this month.
CSO statistics between January and September last year show a drop of more than 75 percent in pre-pandemic level traffic at Shannon Airport.
The facility is anticipating higher passenger numbers this year, largely on account of Ryanair’s expanded European service and upcoming schedule.
Transatlantic services being operated by both Aer Lingus and United Airlines are also set to return to the Midwest this Spring.
Shannon Airport has been allocated funding under a number of State programme allocations since the onset of the pandemic, the most recent of which was a 10 million euro injection announced just before Christmas.
There have been suggestions in both political and economic circles that this State support may need to continue for a number of years.
Country Manager of the UK and Ireland branch of the IATA, Simon McNamara, who is presenting his views on aviation to Shannon Chamber today, says greater public investment in the industry is needed.
A former Shannon Chamber president says any increased State investment would be money well spent.
A Traffic Recovery Supports Scheme proposal put together by Shannon and other Chambers last year suggested as much as 40 million euro should be set aside for the Airport over three years.
Current Director with the Chamber, Kevin Thompstone, says while that figure may seem large, it would provide a return on investment.
