There’s been a wide-ranging welcome for the announcement of two new low cost services from Shannon to the US this summer.
Norwegian Air International has confirmed transatlantic flights from €69 euro from Clare’s Airport to New York and Rhode Island from July 1st.
However, one TD has called for an investigation, saying Dublin has been promoted ahead of the other state airports.
It seemed like forever in the making, but today the details of Norwegian Airline’s low cost flights from Shannon to the East coast of the US are making headlines on both sides of the Atlantic.
From July, services will get underway to Stewart International Airport, Orange County, 90 minutes from New York, and to Providence Green Airport, Rhode Island, 90 minutes from Boston, Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
The twice weekly flights from €69 one-way are among 19 transatlantic flights from Shannon, Cork and Dublin.
Founder of Norweigan Air Bjorn Kjos announced the flights at an event in Cork today
Shannon Airport has described the move as a “major opportunity for tourism and wider business sectors across the west of Ireland”.
Managing Director Andrew Murphy says there will be a year-round boost from the flights.
Tourism Ireland says the importance of convenient, direct, non-stop flights can’t be overstated.
CEO Niall Gibbons says they’re critical for achieving growth in inbound tourism.
But Labour’s Alan Kelly says while the flights are welcome, he’s accused the Dublin Airport Authority of looking to boost Dublin ahead of other airports.
The Tipperary TD has called for an investigation, as he claimed the DAA brought the majority of the flights to the capital in order to increase the business case for a third terminal
