Big increase in state support needed to save smaller airports, business group says

Shannon Chamber is seeking €32 million a year to keep regional airports afloat

The decision of Aer Lingus to close its crew base at Shannon Airport, which could result in the loss of up to 130 jobs, represented a ‘devastating blow’ to the airport, Kevin Thompstone said

Supports for the aviation sector will need to “increase substantially” to avoid more long-term damage to regional airports, a Shannon-based business group has said.

The Shannon Chamber will appear in front of the Oireachtas transport committee tomorrow, seeking up to €32 million in capital expenditure every year so smaller airports can sustain operations as they recover from the crisis.

Kevin Thompstone, the director of the group, wrote in a statement that state supports will need ...