A strike by American air traffic controllers means delays for passengers and fears for the Irish tourist industry.
On 3 August 1981, American air traffic controllers with membership of the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organisation (PATCO) went on strike. Thousands of flights were cancelled as a result.
Declaring the strike illegal, President of the United States of America Ronald Reagan warned that anyone not returning to work within 48 hours would be fired. By the 5 August 1981, most striking air traffic controllers were fired.
While Shannon Airport appears busy, there are fears the American air traffic controllers' dispute could have a devastating effect on the tourist industry. Aer Rianta Shannon director, Liam Skelly calculates the airport is losing £70,000 per day since the strike began. Being in a loss making situation already,
Shannon Airport had been hoping that the traditionally busy month of August would take them out of their problems, but this didn’t seem likely now.
Passengers in Shannon Airport are in good humour and had been accommodated overnight at hotels in Clare and Limerick.
The general opinion from Americans is one of support for their President’s handling of the strike.
The belief that this was the first test of industrial muscle with the Reagan regime.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 11 August 1981. The reporter is Tom MacSweeney.
