Aer Lingus’ Shannon-Boston flights temporarily cancelled in lead-in to Christmas
- Operations between Dec 11th & 17th impacted
- Comes ahead of busy Christmas schedule
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism and Aviation Cathal Crowe is expressing disappointment at the cancellation of Aer Lingus’ Boston flights to and from Shannon Airport at one of the busiest times of the year.
The airline has confirmed that its flights between Boston Shannon are not operating between December 11th and 17th, with passengers booked onto various services being accommodated on flights in and out of Dublin instead.
There have also been some ongoing tactical cancellations in Dublin Airport.
“It’s very disappointing to see this happening,” said Deputy Crowe.
“We are building up to the Christmas season – a time of year when there’s usually an increase to air travel, as people fly home to Shannon to spend time with loved ones.
“For decades, Shannon Airport has beena famous gateway to expats and Irish immigrants in North America who yearn to be home at Christmas time and many Irish people have in recent years tried to squeeze in a visit to iconic US cities like New York in the build-up to December 25th.
“Whilst I appreciate that the technical difficulties that Aer Lingus are experiencing are unavoidable, it’s unfortunate that Shannon Airport has to lose out on one of the busiest weeks of the year.
“Transatlantic flights to and from Shannon are an integral part of Aer Lingus’s annual flight schedule.
“Passengers will be very discommoded by this move but Aer Lingus have assured me that they will accommodate them on alternative flights in and out of Ireland.
“I’ve been in contact with Aer Lingus on the matter but there’s very little change that can be politically affected here, as Aer Lingus trade as a commercial company and make all of their own decisions.
“I hope that 2024 will see Aer Lingus and other airlines, including Ryanair, commit heavily to Shannon Airport once again.
“Shannon has enjoyed a great resurgence since Ireland has emerged from the Covid pandemic but Shannon Airport management, and the many people in the Midwest region who are staunch advocates for the airport feel that it can grow even further.
“As my party’s Aviation Spokesperson and a TD for Clare I will continue to work to ensure Shannon’s future growth.”
Statement from Aer Lingus
“Aer Lingus has had to make a number of tactical cancellations to our US operations between 11th and 17th Dec due to aircraft availability in this period. Any impacted customers have been re-accommodated onto alternative flights and will reach their US destinations. We plan to operate flights over the Christmas period as scheduled. Flights in both directions are impacted and it’s only Boston for the relevant period. There have been ongoing tactical cancellations in Dublin also.”
