Ryanair cut frequency on London-Shannon route

Ryanair is to halve the frequency of its Shannon to London route.

The low fares airline will now only operate two flights per day as a direct result of the 45% increase in passenger service charges imposed by Aer Rianta.

The increased charges come into effect on 1 January 2004.

Ryanair will reduce its frequency from four flights to two on January 8.

Its Head of Communications, Paul Fitzsimmons said today: "Aer Rianta is intent in strangling growth at Shannon with ridiculously increased charges, at a time when Shannon airport needs to attract more airlines and passengers with lower costs.

"The sooner the Government wakes up and proceeds with the planned break up of the Aer Rianta monopoly the better it will be for competition," he added.