Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
179. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if measures will be taken by his Department to ensure that there will be an improvement in the problem of flight cancellations occurring frequently at Donegal Airport, Carrickfinn, County Donegal; if he is aware of the problem with flight cancellations; what plans are in place to ensure that all flights are on schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19065/23]
View answerIt was extremely unfortunate that a technical difficulty with the designated aircraft on the Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service between Donegal/Dublin resulted in 12 cancelled flights between the 4th and 13th of February. 70% of the scheduled services operated during this period and the intermittent disruption was fully addressed on the 15th of February, when a dedicated standby aircraft entered into service on this route. Affected passengers were offered coach transfers to Dublin or accommodation on the next available flight.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that no further cancellations were reported throughout February and March. However, technical difficulties this month resulted in two cancelled flight rotations. In addition, adverse weather conditions experienced in Donegal recently brought about additional safety restrictions to operations and resulted in a further cancelled flight rotation, which was non-attributable to the airline.
Regional connectivity is of critical importance to Government. The current PSO contract in place on this route, which provides twice daily two-way air services, facilitating same day return trips from Donegal, and further international connectivity from Dublin Airport, marks Government's commitment to ensuring continued connectivity to this region.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department continues to monitor the airline's performance in accordance with the PSO contract for the provision of these services and has been engaging with the airline in relation to the reasons for the technical difficulties.
The airline apologises for any inconvenience caused to customers and has advised the Department that it continues to work relentlessly to restore the reliability of this service.
