The Minister for Tourism has asserted her belief in regional balance as an answer to problems regarding Dublin Airport’s cap of 32 million passengers per year. This comes despite doubts expressed by airline companies. Catherine Martin shared her thoughts with the press, outside the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) conference held in Dublin. She stressed that airports in regions like Shannon and Cork do not have any capacity problems. According to her, promoting tourist dispersion to these regional locations could be beneficial for all.
DAA warns that this year will see the surpassing of the cap limit, leading the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) to reduce the number of slots available for airlines at Dublin airport in the ensuing winter and summer. Ms Martin expressed her deep understanding of the vital role air connectivity plays in supporting Ireland’s economy. Nonetheless, she pointed out that regional airports pose no issues of capacity constraints. She emphasised the need to centrally focus on regional tourism even if Dublin Airport was not confronted by a cap.
Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s chief executive, has previously dismissed the idea that there is sufficient demand for incoming flights to regional airports to compensate for the loss of additional slots at Dublin Airport. However, Ms Martin countered this by alluding to studies that indicate 34% of incoming tourists opt to travel west post-arrival in the Republic. She highlighted the need for effective marketing to demonstrate the feasibility of airports in Shannon and Cork as alternative entry points. More updates to follow…