Hopes that the much sought-after Cork-Dublin air route could be reintroduced have been dealt a blow by Ryanair, which says demand probably would not be strong enough to warrant its reintroduction.

European affairs minister Dara Murphy has called on his government colleagues to stand over previous commitments to protect connectivity from Irish airports in light of IAG’s potential takeover of Aer Lingus.

More than 60 former aviation workers who face a cut of up to 60% to their pension entitlements yesterday staged a protest at Dublin Airport.

A topic of debate in this column and in other circles over the past year has been the performance of Cork Airport. 

Dublin Airport Authority has claimed a decision of the regulator related to airport charges will adversely impact its plans for a major commercial initiative known as the Dublin Airport City development.

Ryanair is seeking a free deal in a fresh proposal to Government to deliver 5 million passengers over the next five years at Dublin, Cork and Shannon.

Diary June 9

Undeterred Jedward fans are expected to descend on Dublin Airport tomorrow evening to welcome their high-haired heroes home from Azerbaijan.

Cork Airport made a loss of around €14m last year but its parent — the Dublin Airport Authority — has said it is committed to returning the airport to profit.

Aer Lingus and Ryanair’s 90% dominant position at Cork Airport poses a threat to the airport’s Heathrow routes in a takeover situation, Cork Chamber warned yesterday.

A new director of Cork Airport has been identified to succeed Pat Keohane when his term ends later this year, it emerged last night.

The fact that Etihad’s energetic chief executive is showing interest in our one-time national carrier spells good news at a time when Ireland’s economy is in rebuilding mode, writes Kyran Fitzgerald

The Dublin Airport Authority has conceded for the first time that Shannon, which it controls, has a viable independent future.

Thousands of jobs can be created for Shannon Airport and the wider mid-west if the Government moves to establish a debt-free, independent Shannon Airport.

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has confirmed that his department paid international consultancy firm Booz Consultants €119,350 for its report on the future of Cork and Shannon airports.

The Government’s decision to separate Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority has been broadly welcomed, but questions remain about the move.

The Government plans to use tax incentives and valuable land banks to attract foreign investment and tourism ventures into the Shannon region.

Business and tourism leaders in the Mid-West have welcomed the plans to split Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority.

The transport minister has ruled out giving Cork Airport any form of independence in the near future while it is saddled with large debts.

Welcome, positive statements were made on transport policy and infrastructure yesterday.