asked the Minister for Communications if in view of media speculation he will reaffirm the Government's policy regarding the status of Shannon as the sole translantic airport.
Written Answers. - Shannon Airport Status.
98.
It is established Government policy that all designated scheduled air carriers operating to-from Ireland across the North Atlantic are obliged to serve Shannon Airport in both directions. All trans-lantic charter carriers operating to-from Ireland are obliged to make one stop at Shannon on either the eastbound or westbound sector.
My Department have received an application from a US charter operator, Skystar International, to operate a charter series next summer to the US from Connacht Regional Airport, without a stop at Shannon. The series includes visits to other places of pilgrimage in Europe before calling at Knock. My decision on the application is that Shannon Airport is Ireland's sole transatlantic gateway, and it is Government policy that it should remain so. Any departure from this policy which would lead to the downgrading of the current status of Shannon Airport will not be approved by me.