Reprieve for airport as company continues service
Waterford Regional Airport has been given a late reprieve following yesterday’s announcement that Euroceltic Airways intends to continue its service to London.
The future of the airport was thrown into doubt before Christmas when the airline announced it was withdrawing its daily services to London Luton airport after accumulating losses of 1.1 million.
After the announcement, all 22 employees at the airport were put on protective notice.
Airline chairman Noel Hanley said yesterday that by limiting winter flights to Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, the service will be maintained until March 29 at the very least. It is anticipated that the airline will then revert to a daily operation.
The company said the service to London is an important link and is vital to both business and tourism in the south east. However, Euroceltic warned that only public support over the next year would guarantee the route’s survival.
The future of the 24-hour search and rescue Sikorsky helicopter service at the airport also hangs in the balance.
It is understood that crunch talks between Marine Minister Dermot Ahern, Transport Minister Séamus Brennan and Waterford-based Environment Minister Martin Cullen will take place in Dublin today
