Ryanair must stop playing politics with Cork Airport – Buttimer

Cork Fine Gael Senator, Jerry Buttimer, has called on Ryanair to engage positively with Cork Airport and to act in a manner that is conducive to the return of its base and the resumption of safe flying from the airport.

Senator Buttimer said, “Ryanair should stop playing politics with Cork Airport and rather engage in a meaningful way with the airport authorities to ensure that services are ready to restart whenever public health guidelines allow and there is demand again.

“Cork Airport’s critical infrastructure plan for the runway reconstruction should be supported and should be advocated for, rather than being used as a political tool by Ryanair.”

Senator Buttimer continued, “I have spoken and met virtually with the management of Cork Airport and I am confident that the critically important airport development plan must be proceeded with as a matter of importance.

“The airport will get the works completed, working round the clock in the autumn shoulder season this year leaving this summer and this coming Christmas untouched for whatever traffic is ready to fly at that stage with Ryanair and other airlines.

“That leaves the airport ready to take advantage of increased traffic with no infrastructure construction interruptions whatsoever. That is a rational decision; it makes sense to get the necessary but disruptive projects done this year when traffic is low rather than impact the 2022 recovery.

“The airport has engaged extensively and all of us collectively must play a part to ensure that Cork Airport returns to growth when it is safe to travel.”