The Chief Executive of Aer Lingus has told the Minister for Transport that there is no strategic intent to reduce connectivity at either Cork or Shannon airports.
This is despite yesterday's decision by the airline to close its cabin crew base in Shannon and lay-off cabin crew and ground handling staff in Cork from September to November.
Eamon Ryan and Junior Transport Minister Hildegarde Naughton met the airline's new CEO, Lynne Embleton today to discuss the developments.
"The meeting was an open and frank engagement between the Ministers and the airline," Mr Ryan’s department said in a statement following the meeting.
"Both ministers acknowledged the very difficult and unprecedented challenges being faced by Aer Lingus and their staff and the cost pressures leading to their decision."
The department said the ministers reiterated the Government's commitment to support the industry and acknowledged the importance of providing clarity on the extent and duration of the employment supports beyond the end of June.
The ministers also told the airline that they recognise the critical issue for the aviation sector is a roadmap for the restoration of international travel.
They also said that the Government will set out an initial pathway for the reopening of international travel at its meeting next week.
According to the department, while the airline confirmed yesterday's announcements do not signal a strategic reduction of connectivity from the two regional airports, restoration of the existing services would depend on market conditions.
The ministers also met CEO of Shannon Group, Mary Considine, and CEO of Cork Airport, Niall McCarthy, while Minister Naughton also met unions and employer representative groups today.
