Kerry County Council says it will work with Kerry Airport to reestablih the Kerry Dublin route as soon as possible following the news this morning that Stobart Air has ceased trading with immediate effect.

In a statement, the  Council noted with extreme disappointment the announcement by the company that it has ceased operations, leading to the immediate cancellation of the Kerry to Dublin air travel route.

Stobart Air said it was with “great regret and sadness” that its board is in the process of appointing a liquidator and that the airline is to cease operations with immediate effect.

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“This unavoidable and difficult decision means that all Aer Lingus Regional routes, currently operated by Stobart Air under its franchise agreement with Aer Lingus, have been cancelled,” it said.

The Council says the “Kerry to Dublin route is critical to the economy of the county, creating national and international links and ensuring the continued development of business and tourism in Kerry. The loss of the route at a time when the country is beginning to re-open is a significant blow.

Kerry County Council has full confidence in the future of Kerry Airport and will work closely with airport management to ensure the quick restoration of this key route and the future development of further air traffic routes into the county.”

John Mulhern CEO Kerry Airport Also issued a statement this morning saying; “Sincerely, the team at Kerry Airport and I send our most heartfelt empathy to all our friends and colleagues at Stobart today. The airline has been a most valued and respected partner to Kerry Airport for several years and managed our Dublin flights with great professionalism and customer care. Our thoughts are with all of you today.

Kerry Airport will navigate this period with all the strength and resourcefulness it has demonstrated during the last year of Covid uncertainty and on several occasions in its history.

A line of communication on the recovery of our Dublin-Kerry route has already commenced with The Department of Transport.

We have been contacted this morning by the Deputy Government Chief Whip and Kerry TD, Brendan Griffin, who has assured us that he is ahead of the situation and will be supporting the return of the Kerry-Dublin route.

Our incredible team of employees have demonstrated during the pandemic how loyal and dedicated they are to the Airport and fully recognise its importance to the people of Kerry and beyond. Be assured that will continue.

On foot of today’s announcement, passengers who were booked to fly between Kerry and Dublin today and over the coming days are advised to check the Aer Lingus website for updated information on refund or re-booking options.”