asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has satisfied himself that the air fare between Dublin and Glasgow is competitively priced; if the fare on this route is competitive compared to the Dublin-London route; and if it is his intention to grant further operating licences on the Dublin-Glasgow route, thus reducing airline monopolies and reducing fares.
Written Answers. - Dublin-Glasgow Air Fare.
87.
At present Aer Lingus operate a twice daily scheduled service between Dublin and Glasgow. I have recently authorised Ryanair to operate on the route also and their services will commence next week, on 27 April, on a once daily basis, Monday to Friday. The following fares structures apply:
|
IR£ |
UK£ |
|
|
Aer Lingus |
||
|
Economy return |
204 |
176 |
|
Pex return |
131 |
108 |
|
Super Pex |
98 |
94 |
|
Apex |
79 |
69 |
|
Senior Citizen |
— |
59 |
|
Ryanair |
||
|
Unristricted return |
108 |
104 |
|
Off Peak return |
98 |
94 |
|
Introductory Fare return |
— |
75 |
I am satisfied that the air traveller and particularly the tourist has available to him very competitive air fares on this route and given the economics and structure of the route the fares compare favourably with those available on the Dublin-London route. I am confident that the route will be well served by the two Irish carriers. I understand also that SAS may operate services to Dublin this summer from Copenhagen via Glasgow on a fifth freedom basis.