Buy a ticket, support Kerry Airport: appeal for Dublin route

DESPERATE times call for desperate measures, and Kerry Airport has made an unprecedented appeal in a bid to ensure that the vital Kerry-Dublin route survives the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic .

With airlines – particularly smaller operators – coming under immense pressure to survive, Kerry Airport is calling on anyone that can afford to buy a ticket to fly between Kerry and Dublin, even if they have no intention of using it.

Mr Mulhern explained the thinking behind his appeal in a post on the Airports Facebook page last week.

“Tell me I’ve lost it, but Today I bought a day return ticket from Kerry to Dublin although I have no intention of flying. The flights are operated by Stobart Air under the Aer Lingus brand. I bought it for two reasons firstly because I’m so appreciative it’s still flying to support the region for emergency connectivity and secondly because I’m remaining positive and looking to the future and our recovery,” he wrote.

“More than ever when we bounce back we will need this route, it must survive, and I for one believe that in time and perhaps sooner than hoped our business and tourism employers, will recover completely. Stay strong all who have lost their income in our sector we have you in our minds and will not stop fighting to get you back into work. I say this because I live in Kerry and love this place not just because I work at the airport,” he said.

Mr Mulhern’s appeal was backed by Tralee Chamber Alliance who called on anyone financially in a position to help to support the airport and the route.

“Anyone still working, that can afford to, should copy John Mulhern and book a flight to Dublin return to support the route, even if you don’t plan on using it. It is a small gesture but one that might help keep the flight operational and help keep the operator going through this troubled period,” said a Chamber Spokesperson.

“The concern is that if the operator can no longer continue with the route, it may be difficult to get it started again when things return to normal. We all know how important this flight is to business and tourism in Kerry,” they added.