The dispute between Aer Arann and Galway Airport has taken a new twist, with a decision by the airline to retain its double daily service to London.
Aer Arann confirmed yesterday that it would maintain the Galway-London Luton service three days a week from October 18th for the winter. The airline had planned to reduce the link to one flight, thrice weekly, as part of a reduction in flights to and from the regional airport at Carnmore.
Galway Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the decision. "We are hopeful that in continuing discussions with Aer Arann there will be more positive news in respect of other destinations," said Mr Michael Coyle. Mr Padraig O'Ceidigh, Aer Arann's managing director, also expressed delight in a statement yesterday, but said the airline would review its schedule after Christmas "to ensure that the customer demand in Galway city and county is satisfied".
Politicians and business leaders have expressed concern over the past week about the airline's move to reduce the frequency of services linking Galway with Birmingham, Edinburgh and Dublin from October 18th.
Relations between the airport, owned by Galway Chamber of Commerce, and the airline appeared to deteriorate last week when the chief executive of Aer Arann pulled out of a meeting arranged with airport authorities.
The airline has said that its decision to reduce services was "due to a combination of operational and commercial considerations".
