Ryanair threatens to slash Shannon base

Ryanair has said it will reduce its Shannon base by 75% - cutting its aircraft numbers from four to one – if the Government does not remove the €10 tourist tax or if the airport fails to reduce its cost base by 50%.

The low-fares airline is currently in talks with airport authorities about the terms for an extension of Ryanair’s five-year base agreement at Shannon, which runs out in April 2010.