Regional airports - A challenge for Shannon

SOARING oil costs and the God of Competition are conspiring to make life difficult for the country’s regional airports, especially Shannon.

The airport has suffered a 19% fall in transatlantic traffic since January. This comes after a 0.5% fall in passenger numbers last year and follows the decision by Aer Lingus to end Shannon’s Heathrow service.

Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary has warned that not all of our regional airports have a future and has pointed out that Shannon has been consistently unprofitable for his company despite its dominant position. He also warned that Ryanair’s presence there is not guaranteed.

Another worry for Shannon is the prospect of Barack Obama in the White House. He has promised to end America’s involvement in Iraq and if that happens Shannon could lose a profitable strand of business if the US military transports no longer need the airport.

It is difficult to see how these trends will not lead to a change in circumstances for Shannon and a great challenge for the region. It may well be that we cannot sustain all our regional airports and if there is to be change let it be organised and reasonable.