The uncertain future for Munster's airports

Government support is needed to aid Munsters airports as they try to recover from the devastating impact of Covid-19

Passengers in Cork Airport queuing for the Air France flight to Paris. Services there have resumed but the airport expects passenger numbers to be down two million this year. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

In 2018 the air industry contributed €8.9 billion to Ireland's GDP, supported 140,000 jobs and transported 8.8 million overseas tourists.

Two years later it would be difficult to paint a bleaker picture for such an important element of world trade. It was one the first parts of the global economy to be impacted by the spread of the coronavirus and it is increasingly clear it will take the longest time to recover.