Forty jobs to go at airport when flights suspended

By Dara Bradley

As many as forty job losses are expected at Galway Airport at the end of this month when Aer Arann’s suspends flights at Carnmore, a decision which has been described as a ‘blow’ by tourism chiefs in the West.

Aer Arann’s shock announcement last week that it would cease its flights between Galway and London Southend, London Luton, Edinburgh, Manchester and Waterford from November 1 is “not welcome news” according to Fáilte Ireland West general manager Fiona Monaghan.

She said the November to Spring periods is generally quiet but the loss of visitors on short-breaks of two to three nights at weekends from cities such as Manchester, London and Edinburgh is a “blow” to Galway City. “That market is going to be affected,” she said.

Ms Monaghan said the loss of any air access is not welcome, but it was a commercial decision by Aer Arann based on passenger numbers.

Management at Galway Airport briefed staff this week about its plans for the future, ahead of formal redundancy negotiations with trade union leaders, which will commence early next week.

Joe Walsh, Managing Director, had said the redundancies would be “significant” and the Galway City Tribune understands he informed staff at briefings this week that the number would be around forty.

There are about 55 people currently employed at the airport. It is understood the air traffic controllers will be reduced from five to one. There are also expected to be job losses from ancillary businesses associated with the airport.

SIPTU organiser in aviation and transport, Tony Carroll, representing between 45-50 workers at the airport, said a meeting with management will take place early next week.

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.