Galway Airport's future has been thrown into doubt by today's announcement by Aer Arann that it is withdrawing its flights for the winter.
About 40 jobs are expected to be lost as a result of the move, given that Aer Arann is the sole scheduled flight passenger operator at the Carnmore airport.
Aer Arann withdrew its Galway-Dublin route earlier this year when Government subsidies were cancelled. Flights between Galway and London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Waterford will stop for the winter.
"It is a huge blow for staff and their families and it is also a huge blow for Galway and Galway businesses,"airport managing director Joe Walsh has said.
The airport employs 52 people, with indirect employment of up to 175 provided also. Owner Galway Chamber of Commerce is now trying to find other carriers.
Last May, Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar confirmed the operational subvention funding for Galway would not be extended beyond 2011.
Aer Arann said it regretted the decision, which will come into effect from November 1st.