Ryanair Chief Executive Eddie Wilson has spoken out against Ireland’s current travel restrictions, warning that if they are changed, the Government will be inflicting the “single biggest act of self-harm” to the economy since the trade war with Britain in the 1930s.
The airline will join others like the DAA at the Oireachtas Transport Committee today (October 7) to brief TDs and Senators on the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the aviation sector.
The low-cost carrier is also calling on the Irish Government to adopt the EU’s planned ‘traffic light’ system for air travel.
In its submission, Ryanair accuses the Government of adopting a “failed” 14-day quarantine policy.
He also states that Ireland has been cut off from the rest of Europe with the “failed” green list.
Ireland’s ‘green list’ currently only allows unrestricted travel to four countries.
The report states: “With no clarity for summer 2021 on travel restrictions or incentives which are clearly set out in the Government Aviation Recovery Taskforce Report, the implications for next summer will be devastating for Irish tourism, which supports 325,000 jobs.”
The airline has warned that it may be forced to close its bases in Cork and Shannon if the EU plan is not adopted, however if the plan is adopted without restrictions on green and amber member states as well as the UK, the Cork and Shannon bases will remain open this winter.
