Tourism chief in warning over Aer Lingus landing slots

Aer Lingus’ landing slots at Heathrow airport must be maintained as they are of strategic importance to tourism growth, it was claimed today.

Fáilte Ireland boss Gillian Bowler said any reduction in access to Ireland from the busy UK hub would have a poor effect on the Irish tourism industry.

“The Tourism Policy Review Group has targeted an increase in visitor numbers to Ireland to 10 million by 2012. Heathrow is the world’s busiest airport for international passengers, and the busiest airport in Europe.

“Any threat of reducing access to Ireland from Heathrow will have negative consequences for Irish tourism,” said Ms Bowler.

The chairwoman of the national tourism development authority said it must be acknowledged that around a third of North American visitors arrive via Britain, and two-thirds of travellers from other long-haul destination also use UK airports en route.

“The importance of ensuring appropriate connections should not be underestimated. Even as very welcome new routes into Ireland continue to develop, it seems likely that Heathrow will remain of strategic importance for the medium to long-term,” she said.