FLYING TO LONDON from Munster is about to become that bit easier with the launch of a new CityJet route flying from Cork Airport.
The company announced today that it will begin flying 18 times weekly to London City Airport – three times weekdays, once on Saturday and twice on Sundays.
Chairman of the Swords-based airline, Pat Byrne said the route has “significant potential”.
Welcoming the announcement, the Minister for Transport said it comes amid a backdrop of falling passenger numbers at Cork Airport, but that this trend is starting to reverse.
“After a number of disappointing years it is good to see new services being initiated from Cork Airport,” Paschal Donohoe said.
There are very good reasons to feel confident about the future of Cork Airport and it is now up to the people of the wider Cork region to ensure that their airport is supported.
Local TD Jerry Buttimer also stressed the need to continue improving the airport, and taking advantage of the new links to promote Cork as a destination for tourists.
The Fine Gael deputy called for the local council and Fáilte Ireland “to fast-track their plans for developing a new marketing strategy for Cork”.
The flights are due to begin from October.
Also announced this morning was the recommendation by a government-appointed commission to build a third runway at London Heathrow airport to ease congestion.
This is despite opposition from environmentalists and London mayor Boris Johnson.
The runway would cost €24.8 billion, but would generate up to €207 billion over 60 years and create more than 70,000 jobs by 2050, the commission said in a long-awaited report.
The report said Heathrow could provide “urgently required” capacity, but added that a rival bid for a second runway at Gatwick airport was also “plausible.”
“Heathrow can provide that capacity most easily and quickly. The benefits are significantly greater, for business passengers, freight operators and the broader economy,” commission head Howard Davies said.
Additional reporting by AFP
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