Dear editor,

I am absolutely appalled and outraged, but not at all surprised at Aer Lingus’s decision to cease its Shannon to Heathrow flights. Unfortunately, that is the price we will pay for selling off our national assets.

The irony is that the Shannon to Heathrow service was making a profit, but not enough to satisfy management at the now privatised Aer Lingus. 

By operating a Belfast to Heathrow service they can employ pilots and cabin crew at cheaper rates than operating out of Shannon. 

Here lies a warning of what could happen at Dublin and Cork airports as well.  What’s to stop Aer Lingus doing the same and stopping the Dublin and Cork to Heathrow services? 

Think of all the damage that would be done to Northside communities such as Coolock, Santry and Ballymun to name but a few that rely on Aer Lingus and Dublin Airport for employment. Potentially, thousands of jobs could be lost. 

Paul Kinsella
Lorcan Grove
Santry