Reverse damage done by Shannon stopover

DES LONG is concerned about the future of Shannon Airport when the notorious stopover comes to an end (Irish Examiner letters, March 10).

He need not worry. Shannon Airport and the stopover will forever be remembered because of the permanent damage caused to the Irish long-haul aviation market to North America.

Numerous Irish governments, Aer Lingus — in respect of its disinterest in operating long-haul flights from Cork Airport — and a smug Aer Rianta all stayed mum on the institutionalised unfairness of the stopover in Shannon Airport’s favour and made it all but impossible for airports such as Cork to compete.

Shannon has its international gateway. The time has come for a concerted campaign to ensure Cork gets the same. The damage done by the stopover must be overturned.

Thomas Whelan

61 Father Matthew Rd

Turners Cross

Cork