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AER LINGUS’ REGIONAL carrier Stobart Air will stop all international flights due to what has been described as an “unprecedented” drop in demand as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.
Stobart will operate a reduced schedule from Dublin to Edinburgh and Glasgow this week, before temporarily suspending all international flight operations Saturday 28 March until further notice.
However, the company said it would continue to operate flights between Dublin and Kerry and Dublin and Donegal as part of its public service obligations.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has seen the demand for airline services decrease at unprecedented levels,” a statement from the company said.
“Its rapid impact across the global aviation industry has been staggering…
“We apologise for the inconvenience this unavoidable decision brings to our valued customers.”
The company said that it expected temporary lay-offs would be required as a result of the measures, and that consultations would be arranged with employee representative groups to discuss this.
All of its scheduled international services would continue to operate until 23:59 on Tuesday to give passengers an opportunity to complete trips or make necessary travel arrangements.
Stobart added that affected passengers would be notified by email and advised of their options.
In a statement, Aer Lingus said that it had been informed by Stobart that it will cease some of its operations from Wednesday and that passengers would be contacted by the airline to advise them of their options.
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Greta will only be delighted.
Carbon emissions slashed across the world.
@Vladimir Macro: Had a quick look at Flight radar 24 yesterday. Still a lot of planes in the sky unfortunately
@Fr. Fintan Stack: cargo flights
@Todd Unctuous: Eh no. I clicked on loads of them and most were not cargo.
@Vladimir Macro: But this temporary drop in emissions (aviation is 3% of world output) will have a negligible long term effect.
Manufacturing and motor transport contributes more, so the economic shutdown will actually reduce ongoing emissions but than aviation.
@Vladimir Macro: agriculture, manufacturing, domestic houses and private cars are all greater causes of pollution. Nice to see that a 17yo girl can still trigger you.
@Fr. Fintan Stack: Eh educate yourself. Cargo is mainly transported in lower decks of most passenger aircraft, especially long haul aircraft like the 330. Regardless if theres passengers on board or not at this present moment in time. Goods are still coming into the state via passneger aircraft in the holds. Mor than likely without passengers on board.
@Todd Unctuous: in fact its probably more profitable than having to carry SLF and its baggage.
@Fr. Fintan Stack: yeah did the same mental
The whole lot need to be grounded, isn’t anyone paying attention? The economic aspects are obviously tragic but that’s the case in every walk of life, safety through prevention and sensible practises is paramount.
@Cosmological: Yes ground everything. And how do you suggest we get emergency medical supplies into the country?
@Cosmological: passenger flights should be cancelled immediately but freight has to keep going
@Mark Wallace:
I did say sensible practises but I certainly concede your point.
Who wrote the headline. I’ve read it 4 times now and it still ads no contest to the story below…
C’mon guys, they won’t stop the PSO routes to keep money coming in from the govt…. People can easily get a train or bus but they cut off a vital connection. Very hard times for everyone but the govt should suspend the PSO funding and put it to healthcare. Don’t know the loads on the donegal or kerry routes but they are surely empty so costing the govt much needed money elsewhere.
Please tell me that planes in and out of the U.K. have stopped . Or at least quarantine people upon arrival .
@Isabel Oliveira: Over 20 flights from London alone scheduled for today. No quarantine.
@Dublin Wings: very few travelling though.
@Dublin Wings: that’s preposterous . Cargo and repatriations & emergencies very well but pax flights without mandatory quarantine is just unacceptable.
Close the border
Like every other country is doing
When this is sorted, as hopefully it will be, staycations in the different countries is likely to be the winner.
@sean de paore: not at all. The prices here will always be mad ….as for the weather.
@sean de paore: I love holidaying in Ireland and so does my Wife and son but it’s extremely expensive so I think they need to look at their prices they should look at reviving the likes of the rail breaks CIE to encourage staycations
Arrived into Kerry from Luton yesterday. Eleven passengers aboard. Makes economic sense to ground aircraft
@Nigel Kelleher: I did the same flight 2 weeks ago, about 70% full.
Again it’s the public that are protecting themselves not government, who should have closed all airports and ports.
At least with all these flights cancelled we will get a break from all the chemtrails………..just trying to stay positive here lads
Football cancelled……
@Sean Higgins: So?
have your say