asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has approved the proposal to grant a licence for flights from the United States via Iceland into Knock airport; and whether the Government have considered proposals by airlines to fly directly into Dublin with the loss of the sole transatlantic international airport status which Shannon currently enjoys.
Written Answers. - Licence for Flights from US.
44.
I have not as yet received any formal proposals for air services between Iceland and Ireland but I am aware that Icelandair are interested in commencing scheduled services between Reykjavik and Knock Airport.
I should explain that the question of air services between Ireland and Iceland, both of which are members of the European Civil Aviation Conference, fall to be considered on the same basis as any other intra-European services. On the question of direct access to Dublin from the US for trans-Atlantic air services, I can assure the Deputy that this matter is not under consideration by the Government. It remains Government policy that Shannon airport is Ireland's sole trans-Atlantic gateway and that all trans-Atlantic scheduled services must serve Shannon in both directions.