Airports need guarantees for the future

The potential sale of Aer Lingus to International Airlines Group (IAG), managed by former Aer Lingus pilot and CEO, and previously a management buy-out suitor, Willie Walsh, is raising alarm bells for anyone with anything to do with the airline business.

The viability of Cork and Shannon airports is being called into serious question. They have both had difficulties for some time.

Shannon is pulling out of it but is not secure. Cork is saddled with a very large capital investment debt which greatly inhibits its flexibility and manoeuvrability. The unions are concerned about job losses, not only at the two smaller airports but also at Dublin Airport