Shannon plans for Paris route dealt blow

EFFORTS by Shannon Airport to secure a replacement airline to take over the successful Shannon to Paris route, which will be axed by Ryanair in November, have been dealt a severe blow with two more operators confirming they have no plans to take up the service.

Earlier this month, Ryanair confirmed it will cut services at Shannon by 21% from November 1 in protest at Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) plans to increase passenger charges at Shannon by €1.53. The airline will completely axe the Shannon to Paris operation despite its success and profitability. The route has been yielding an average load factor of 89%. Four airlines have to date turned their backs on the profitable route, two of which previously operated the service. Aer Lingus and Cityjet had already ruled out a return to the route while British Airways and Easyjet have become the latest operators to turn down a chance to take over the operation.

A British Airways spokeswoman stated: “British Airways doesn’t operate flights which don’t touch the UK.”