Crisis-hit Kerry Airport lost out on public funding after stockmarket loss

Kerry Airport is facing further uncertainty after last week's withdrawal of Stobart Air, which operated public service obligation routes from the airport.

Kerry Airport is now facing renewed uncertainty after Stobart Air pulled out as the Covid aviation crisis deepens. Picture: Don MacMonagle

Kerry Airport, which is reeling from the withdrawal of Stobart Air from its publicly-subsidised Aer Lingus route, was refused a government grant last October due to an investment loss it took on an unusual €1.5m stockmarket bet.

The airport suffered the loss of almost €306,000 after its multi-year €1.5m investment turned sour at the onset of the Covid crisis.