Minister urges Ryanair to make more use of regional airports

Minister of State at the Department of Transport James Lawless met with Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary this morning to discuss the passenger cap at Dublin Airport on Wednesday.

The Department of Transport said there was a “good, robust exchange of views,” where the Minister listened to the Ryanair chief’s views on the issue, while reiterating the Government’s determination to resolve outstanding concerns.

Minister Lawless said: “I reaffirmed to Mr O’Leary that the National Aviation Policy remains that we wish to grow connectivity out of Dublin Airport.”

The meeting marks the beginning of a consultation process with key stakeholders on the passenger cap and other aviation issues. Meetings have been scheduled and invitations sent to stakeholders including Aer Lingus, Fingal County Council, the Irish Aviation Authority, Ibec, RAI (Restaurants Association of Ireland), ITAA (Irish Travel Agents Association), the daa and others.

After the meeting, Minister Lawless added: “The meeting with Mr Ryan was one of many that we will be having with stakeholders where we will listen to the views and ideas from all.

“I would encourage Ryanair to revisit their Shannon, Cork and regional airport schedules, I would urge them to be more creative in their use of the regionals.

“Not everybody lives in Dublin, I can see no reason why sporting trips, or excursions to Lapland, cannot operate from other airports outside Dublin.

“If Ryanair are prepared to move flights to Belfast, what’s to stop them using other airports in this jurisdiction, nearer to where the bulk of the population live?

“I find it difficult to see how the marketing genius that created alternative routes to Paris/Beauvais, Venice/Treviso, Brussels/Charleroi and drove traffic to so many other destinations cannot do more for our regional airports.

“I can see no good reason why over 85% of flights still fly out of Dublin, apart from legacy and habit.”