Airlines unhappy with Dublin charges rise

Thursday, 18 June 2009 18:47

The aviation regulator has proposed that passenger charges at Dublin Airport should increase by almost €1 from January.

The regulator's draft decision says the impact of the economic downturn means there are fewer passengers than expected from which to recover costs. The charges will increase from €7.39 to €8.35 under the proposals.

Prices may have to rise further later next year to help pay for the second terminal at Dublin Airport.

Airlines unhappy with rise

Ryanair condemned the decision, saying there was no justification during a recession for further cost increases at 'a Government-owned airport monopoly'. The airline claimed the regulator was 'hopelessly out of touch with economic reality' and said the rises meant that further traffic and tourism declines in Ireland were inevitable.

Aer Lingus expressed 'disappointment' that the regulation had proposed an increase in an environment of collapsing traffic and economic upheaval in the aviation industry.

'Aer Lingus will be making a detailed submission to the regulator in response to its proposals so that any final determination on the issue of airport charges reflects the reality of an industry already reeling from a severe downturn,' the airline said.

Both Ryanair and Aer Lingus said some countries in Europe were cutting or scrapping passenger charges in an effort to boost demand.