Belavia to Suspend Winter Operations from Shannon

Belavia, Belarusian Airlines have formally confirmed to management at Shannon Airport their intention to suspend the weekly winter service between Minsk and Shannon beginning 25th Oct. 2007. Citing the poor performance of the route coupled with rising operating costs as the reason for their decision this winter, the airline said it would not make a final decision on their summer services to Shannon until Jan 08.

Commenting on the announcement, Airport Director, Martin Moroney said, “We are disappointed with this news. While this service accounts for a relatively small number of the airport’s passenger movements it provides an important link to Belarus for many of the Chernobyl Children’s Charities operating in Ireland. We will be in consultation with Belavia over the coming months and will make every effort to ensure the retention of their summer services.”

ENDS
29th Aug 2007
For more information contact:

Eugene Pratt +353 (0)87 2453865

Notes for Editor

Belavia have operated at Shannon since 1993, transferring traffic between Minsk and a number of U.S. cities as well as to Ireland. 

Passenger carryings are approx. 9000 per annum with the majority of those passenger movements in the summer months of June, July and August.