asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the reason he has not approved trans-Atlantic status for Knock Airport, County Mayo.
Written Answers. - Connaught Regional Airport Status.
42.
As I have indicated in replies to previous questions in this matter, it is established Government policy that Shannon Airport is Ireland's sole trans-Atlantic gateway and no change in this policy is envisaged.
All designated scheduled air carriers operating to/from Ireland across the North Atlantic are obliged to serve Shannon Airport in both directions. Similarly, all trans-Atlantic charter carriers operating to/from Ireland are obliged to make one stop at Shannon on either the eastbound or westbound sector.
On this basis I have in the past authorised trans-Atlantic charters to/from Connaught Regional Airport. Moreover, I have recently approved an application for a further series of charter operations to/from Connaught Regional Airport (returning via Shannon) this summer.