Fuelling fears of a nosedive

Cuts in funding, Ryanair’s dominance and the economic downturn cast doubt on the sustainability of our airports, writes Seán McCárthaigh.

THE future of Ireland’s aviation industry may not be looking up. Cutbacks of €13 million earmarked for significant infrastructural projects at the country’s regional airports have been announced by Transport Minister Noel Dempsey in a decision that places a further cloud over a sector that has traditionally been dependent on state handouts to avoid a potential freefall.

Already in 2008 the aviation industry has been left reeling from soaring fuel charges, looming environmental taxes and falling demand for leisure travel due to the global economic downturn.