Dublin Airport’s operator has suspended its new route initiative scheme citing uncertainty around development plans for the airport
Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) introduced its Route Support Scheme in 2005. It offers qualifying routes – those operating at least three times a week to new non-EU destinations from the airport- full discount on standard airport charges in the first year, 75% in the second and 50% in the third.
But the company suspended the scheme as of 7 August pending a review, citing continued planning and other uncertainties relating to the operation and development of Dublin Airport.
Uncertainties include planning authority for the construction of a second terminal at Dublin. Targeted to open in 2009 – and the cost of which is fiercely contest by budget carrier Ryanair. This is currently in the planning appeals process, a decision on which is expected in the next few weeks.
Ryanair meanwhile is contesting the Irish Commission for Aviation Regulation’s decision to designate Dublin as a slot co-ordinated airport, while a recent charges review by the regulator has ruled out increasing the cap on airport charges until the new terminal is built.
Dublin Airport director Robert Hilliard says: “We welcome new traffic and a greater range of destinations on behalf of all our passengers, but in an environment where the airport’s infrastructure is under pressure due to strong passenger growth and where there are still obstacles to our plans to transform the airport, we must examine all available measures to mitigate congestion at peak travel periods. The review of our route support schemes is one such measure.”
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
Source: FlightGlobal.com
