Kenny Jacobs, CEO of DAA (Dublin Airport Authority), strongly criticized a proposal by Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe to reinstate a rule requiring transatlantic flights to stop at Shannon Airport. Jacobs called the suggestion "bizarre," arguing it contradicts EU law and is detrimental to passengers.
Jacobs highlighted that the proposal reflects outdated thinking and would harm Ireland's open economy. He also emphasized that all transatlantic carriers oppose the stopover.
The stopover rule was part of an Irish-US air travel agreement but was abolished in 2008 following EU liberalization of air travel. The proposal comes amidst concerns about declining transatlantic travel, potentially linked to US tariffs and Dublin Airport's passenger cap.
Shannon Airport currently offers direct services to several US cities. Local stakeholders view these routes as crucial for tourism and investment in the Midwest region. The Oireachtas Shannon Airport group actively lobbies for the airport's continued development and support.
The article also mentions Cork Airport's success as Ireland's fastest-growing airport, attributing it to a strategic growth plan, not mandatory stopovers.
Recent figures show a significant decrease in Irish passengers flying to the US, sparking discussions about the impact of various factors, including US tariffs and Dublin Airport's passenger cap. However, some travel agents remain optimistic about the US leisure market's recovery.
DAA is seeking planning permission to increase Dublin Airport's passenger capacity, suggesting a commitment to addressing potential congestion issues.