FEARS have been voiced that Ryanair’s reported decision to close its base at Faro Airport could have an impact on Kerry Airport which operates two weekly flights between Farranfore and sun-kissed Portugal from June to September.
Although the airline has yet to comment, it has been widely reported that it will close its facility there next year with the loss of at least 100 jobs, according to the cabin crew union. A number of factors have been cited, including the likely ramifications of Brexit and late delivery of up to 30 aircraft.
Kerry TDs have said they hope the decision will not impact on Kerry Airport as the service to and from Faro is hugely popular with sun-seekers but despite their fears, at this stage, there is nothing to suggest that the Kerry link with Portugal will be discontinued.
Deputy John Brassil says an alternative would need to be found to secure the future of the Farranfore facility while Deputy Martin Ferris said, if the Faro link closed, it would be an awful loss to the county.
Faro serves Portugal’s Algarve region which is hugely popular with commuters from Kerry.
Passengers can currently fly direct from Farranfore to Portugal’s Algarve coast – which boasts some of the best beaches, golf courses, water sports and cultural spots in Europe – on the twice weekly Kerry to Faro route with Ryanair.
Flights are every Tuesday and Saturday direct from Kerry.
On a happier note, Kerry’s Airport received a boost when motoring giant Audi chose it as the base to showcase the new Q7 to motor journalists from around the world. Motoring correspondents came to Kerry from as far away as the Middle East, Canada, China, Japan and Europe to test drive the new Audi Q7 around the Ring of Kerry and Slea Head.
Chief Executive of Kerry Airport, John Mulhern, said: “We are honoured that Audi, a premium car brand, selected Kerry Airport as the base for this major promotional event. The programme included daily private charter flights from Munich to Kerry with almost 300 journalists arriving from all over the globe”.
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