SHANNON airport saw a dramatic reduction in commercial aircraft traffic last month.
Latest figures from the Irish Aviation Authority reveal that less than 1,100 aircraft passed through the county Clare facility in June, a 56% drop from June 2009.
Figures also show that there were 7,800 commercial flights at Shannon in the first six months of the year, a significant 6,480 fewer than the same period last year, representing a 45% decrease
In the same period, Cork fell by almost 12%, and Dublin by 15%
It will concern the Shannon Airport Authority that there was such a big decline in traffic in June, which is traditionally one of the busiest months of the year.
Analysts point to three main contributory factors –Ryanair’s decision to pull many of its flights to holiday destinations, the loss of some transatlantic services, and fewer stopovers by US military aircraft.
Not only did Shannon suffer loss of revenue in landing fees, but also services at the airport were equally badly hit.
Cork, with 11,423 commercial flights for the period Jan-June, has replaced Shannon as the second busiest Irish airport after Dublin.
In the opening six months of the previous year, Cork had 12,949 flights.
Traffic through Dublin airport for Jan-June was also down, from 86,655 flights to 73,584.
With Aer Lingus, through its subsidiary Aer Arann having increased its number of flights from Shannon to UK destinations, the figures from July onwards should be more encouraging.
On the other side of the coin, however, the national airline has announced that it is to cut its number of transatlantic services in the winter months.
Despite the many obstacles being put in their way, the SAA are determined to succeed.
