Local TD Deirdre Clune has called for the Government’s Airport Tax to be immediately abolished to allow Irish Airports, such as Cork, retain airlines and secure connectivity.

BMI’s decision to axe two routes from Cork to the UK is yet another blow to Cork Airport. This announcement again puts the spotlight on the Government’s €10 Airport Travel Tax. This tax has been a devastating mistake and has played a part in the collapse of our tourism industry. The Government should immediately abolish this regressive tax.

Across Europe air passenger numbers are stabilising but in Ireland it has been reported that we have had double digit losses in January. The Government’s Airport Travel Tax is a disincentive to air travel and the Government should take their head out of the sand and realise the monumental mistake they made in introducing this tax and they continue to make in refusing to abolish it.

Cork has already been landed a bad deal by the Government’s refusal to honour a commitment to make Cork Airport independent of the Dublin Airport Authority.

The Cork Airport Authority must immediately adopt an aggressive strategy to target carriers into Cork Airport and the Cork region. The announcement by BMI follows previous losses of flight connections to the airport and falling passenger numbers.

BMI’s decision should sound alarm bells in Government circles as connections such as the ones BMI were operating to UK City destinations are very vital for attracting business and tourism into the Cork region which will now be lost.