STOBART Air has announced that it will end its Shannon based services from January 5. The airline currently operates routes to Bristol, Birmingham and Edinburgh.
While it had been known that Stobart was closing its Shannon base there had been hopes that it would continue operating services to the Clare airport, even though aircraft or staff wouldn’t be based there. Some weeks ago the Shannon staff had been offered the option of a transfer or redundancy.
Stobart Air has said that passengers with bookings for flights post January 5 will be contacted by the airline in the coming days and will be rebooked on Aer Lingus flights from other airports or given a full refund.
A spokesperson for Stobart Air said, “This is a regrettable decision and not one taken lightly. Shannon does not fit with our current strategic plan, and we have to make the right long term choices for the airline.
“We regret any adverse impact this may have on our customers and wish to reassure them that everyone will be fully accommodated. We also wish to recognise once more the support we have received from everyone at Shannon Airport.”
A Shannon Airport statement this morning said, “This decision is outside our control and we are already in talks to secure replacement carriers for these services and are assisted by the fact that these routes have delivered strong passenger numbers.
“Shannon remains on course for double digit growth this year.”
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.