Cork Airport could lose 24-hour status

The Irish Aviation Authority is considering a cut in air-traffic control cover at Cork Airport, ending its 24-hour landing capability and potentially impacting on the airport’s ability to grow business.

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has confirmed that the IAA — which provides air traffic control services across the country — is considering the introduction of “limited restrictions” to controller services at Cork Airport “as a result, in particular, of low night time traffic levels at the airport”.

While no details have been given as to how many hours would be lost, a Cork Airport spokesman said the facility was opposed to any reduction to the current round-the- clock cover.