Meeting to discuss cuts in Aer Arann's Galway flights

A proposed reduction in Aer Arann flights from Galway Airport this winter has raised concerns among airport management and the local tourism sector.

The proposed change in the coming winter schedule will be the main item on the agenda at a meeting today between the airport authorities and the carrier.

The airport authorities became aware of the airline's plans when they were presented this week with the schedule for October 2004 to March 2005.

The chief executive of Ireland West Tourism, Mr John Concannon, confirmed there would be a meeting with Aer Arann to discuss plans for 2005 with a view to ascertaining the reasons for any flight reductions from Galway.

"Aer Arann provides a crucial service in terms of regional airports, and with access the number one priority in terms of getting tourists to the west we need as many flights as possible coming into Galway," he said.

Mr Concannon stressed that Aer Arann was providing a tremendous service in servicing regional airports.

Overall, Aer Arann departures and landings will fall from 150 to 120 per week, according to the new winter schedule.

Flights from Galway to Dublin will be reduced from 31 to 28 per week, flights to Luton will be halved to one a day, flights to Birmingham will be halved to three per week and flights to Edinburgh will be reduced to four per week from six .

Galway Airport's manager, Mr Jarlath Feeney, said management was disappointed with any flight reductions, especially in the context of how successful the UK routes had been.

A spokesman for Aer Arann declined to make any comment on the company's winter schedule.