Then what.....?? Will the Govt let Sligo and Donegal close down.....rent the airfield for sileage?? If there is no airline (if there is no PSO- there will be no airline)...there is no point in staying open !!! Doomsday scenario here...
Osterity is the buzz word these days and a combination of a huge national deficit and the improved roads around the country will make the case for continued PSO grants tough going forward. Furthermore, demand is in free fall as the recession puts a focus on costs and people drive.
However, the government will be only too aware that if any airport is to close eg Sligo Donegal then potentially there will be unemployment and lets say it is 100 staff then the commercial decision will be made on the basis of the cost of this unemployment v the cost of subsidising the airport to stay open.
It is fair to say that there Sligo closing would effect 2 flight per day out 2x ATR42/72 (in terms of traffic). Sligo has train link to Dublin. But as already mentioned Donegal does not hence it may be more justified to give Donegal route a grant etc. Having said all that both of these airports have reasonably significant opposition within driving distance, Ie Knock and City of Derry.
On a separate note, it has been fairly widely reported online etc that Dublin/Farranfore is one of FRs lowest load factor route of its network, the Question is would Ryanair axe this route when the PSO finishes and leave it for Aer Arann?
EI-BUD