Blow to Shannon Airport as Flybe axes Glasgow route

Shannon Airport has been dealt a blow with news that Europe’s largest regional airline is to pull out only months after recommencing operations from there.

Flybe was the first new airline that Shannon Airport managed to secure after it was granted independence from the Dublin Airport Authority at the beginning of the year.

Announced last January and launched in May as a new year-round, three times a week service, Flybe’s Shannon to Glasgow service is understood to have performed particularly well during the summer.

The embattled UK-based airline has now confirmed that the last date of operation of this route will be Jan 5.

The last Shannon to Glasgow service, which was operated by Aer Arann on behalf of Aer Lingus Regional, began in Jul 2010 but was short-lived.

It’s now hoped Aer Lingus Regional or Ryanair will seize the opportunity to take over the route.

Shannon councillor Patricia McCarthy said: “This is not totally unexpected given the company’s financial difficulties but I would hope if Flybe can turn things around that they will consider reopening the route again.

“If not, with the abolition of the travel tax next year, I hope that another airline will look seriously at this route with a view to restoring the link.”

Flybe has also confirmed it is withdrawing its summer-only service from Edinburgh to Ireland West Knock Airport. The seasonal service was expected to return next year.

The airline says it is “seeking to re-accommodate passengers on an alternative flights at no additional expense and with as little additional inconvenience to travel plans as is possible.”

The airline will, for now, retain its services from Knock to Birmingham and Manchester.

Flybe said: “Following the recently announced re-configuration of the Flybe route network, the airline has confirmed that a total of 30 routes will see cancellations.

“The airline can confirm that its [Glasgow] service to Shannon will end on Jan 5, 2014. Flybe can also confirm that its summer-only route from Edinburgh to Knock in the West of Ireland is being withdrawn,” a statement said.

Flybe added: “Passengers affected by the route withdrawals are being contacted and offered, where possible, an alternative Flybe flight or a full refund on their ticket.”

Belfast is also set to lose two links.