RYANAIR, THE independent low-fare Irish airline, is to re-assess its expansion plans for Dublin following the rejection by the Irish Government of its plan for a second city airport at Baldonnel's Casement Aerodrome, now used by the Irish Air Corps.
Chairman Tony Ryan had proposed the move, to counter what he claims are, "the exorbitant charges" being levied at Dublin by airport operator Aer Rianta.
Irish transport minister Michael Lowry considers, however, that it "...would not be in the interests of the aviation sector or of the economy generally".
While Ryan may have lost the argument, he nevertheless secured a significant concession. Shortly before the minister's announcement, Aer Rianta outlined a partial restructuring on landing charges, which include 90% reductions for aircraft on new routes for the first two years, and the waiving of overnight parking charges.
Nevertheless, while Ryanair remains firmly committed to Ireland, it plans to review its expansion of Dublin services may place increased emphasis on UK and European routes from Stansted.
Source: Flight International
