Airport blow - Scrapping of Cork-Dublin route wrong

CRAZY is the only word to adequately describe the Aer Lingus decision to axe its Cork-Dublin service in October.

From a regional perspective, the surprise move represents a crushing economic and psychological blow. Strategically, it could not have come at a worse time as the airport prepares to face the challenge of operating as a stand-alone independent company.

For about four decades, the air link has provided a lifeline between the region and the capital, where most State agencies and government departments are still based.

For corporate business and tourism interests, the route is still a vital umbilical cord.

Adding to the cloud of uncertainty caused by the unexpected decision to abandon the traditional internal route, a question mark is now hanging over jobs at the airport, where union representatives were informed of the move by this newspaper.

Basically, the airline is dropping its three-flights-a-day service because it is a loss-maker.

While the company insists it is investigating new routes out of Cork abroad, it is timely to remind management of its recent commitment to establish a transatlantic service from Cork if the bilateral US-Ireland agreement was eased.

By surrendering its Cork-Dublin service to Aer Arann, the State-owned airline will expose this key regional facility to the mercy of Ryanair, the aggressive no-frills, cut-price operator.

October will be a black month for Cork.