Technical issues require standby aircraft for Donegal Airport

A standby aircraft must be made available as needed to ensure reliable air service for Donegal Airport at Carrickfinn. This follows 12 cancelled flights in February and two cancelled rotation flights this month, Donegal TD, Thomas Pringle, has said:

“Flight delays and cancellations are very worrying for people who depend on the service for work, for tourism and especially those who rely on the flights to attend medical appointments. Air service from Donegal is a vital service for many cancer patients who cannot sit for prolonged periods on bus journeys.”

He added: “Minister Chambers (Minister of State at the Department of Transport and at the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications) acknowledged that a dedicated standby aircraft was brought into service in February, after the period between February 4 and February 13 saw 12 flights cancelled. 

The Minister also said that technical difficulties this month also unfortunately resulted in two cancelled flight rotations.

“If there is a dedicated standby aircraft in case of technical problems, why wasn’t it available to Donegal at those times?” he asked.

The deputy said: “If weather disrupts flights, that’s fair enough. However, we must make sure that all steps are taken to ensure that flights are not cancelled due to technical difficulties,” Deputy Pringle said.

In an email reply to Deputy Pringle, Minister Chambers said:

“It was extremely unfortunate that a technical difficulty with the designated aircraft on this PSO air service resulted in 12 cancelled flights between February 4 and 13. 

“70% of the scheduled services operated during this period and the intermittent disruption was addressed on February 15, when a dedicated standby aircraft entered into service on this route. Affected passengers were offered coach transfers to Dublin or accommodation on the next available flight.  

“Although I am pleased to advise the Deputy that no further cancellations were reported throughout February and March, it is regrettable that technical difficulties this month unfortunately resulted in two cancelled flight rotations. 

In addition, adverse weather conditions experienced in Donegal recently brought about additional safety restrictions to operations and resulted in a further cancelled flight rotation, which was non-attributable to the airline.

“I can assure the Deputy that my Department continues to monitor the airline's performance in accordance with the PSO contract for the provision of these services and has been engaging with the airline in relation to the reasons for the technical difficulties. 

“The airline apologises for any inconvenience caused to customers and has advised my Department that it continues to work relentlessly to restore the reliability of this service.”