Irish Examiner view: Urgent action on aviation needed

Despite the job losses, dire warnings, and worrying predictions, there is little sign of urgency from the Government

Aer Lingus to permanently close its crew base in Shannon Airport. But where is the urgency from Government? Picture: Eamon Ward

The decision by Aer Lingus to permanently close its crew base in Shannon Airport and temporarily lay off staff in Cork is another blow to the region and the troubled aviation sector.

Ironically, the decision came just a day before the EU agreed to ease Covid restrictions on non-EU visitors ahead of the summer tourist season. Under the proposals, the criteria to determine “safe” countries, and to let in fully-vaccinated tourists from elsewhere, will be loosened.