Shannon's new Airport Authority is seriously considering proposals from Ryanair which could almost double passenger numbers to 4.3 million, it emerged last night.
Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has told the authority that the low-fares airline will open up 10 new routes from the airport, serving Britain and mainland Europe , if it slashes airport charges by 87%.
In a submission to the authority, Mr O’Leary said his proposals would almost double the number of passengers using Shannon. Last year 2.3 million passengers passed through the airport and he said the new Ryanair services would add more than two million passengers.
In return, he wants the authority to reduce its landing charges from €7.50 per passenger to €1 per passenger.
Ryanair pulled out of Shannon last year and transferred its German flights to Kerry Airport after a row with Aer Rianta over landing charges.