A big blow to all of the airports.

Ryanair has confirmed it is halting flights from regional airports across Ireland, including Ireland West Airport, Cork and Shannon, from 14 November until 12 December. The airline issued a statement on Wednesday stating it had reduced its capacity down to 40% of what it was operating this time last year. “Ryanair recently announced its reduced winter schedule, taking capacity down to 40% compared to the prior year," a Ryanair spokesperson said. "As a result of continuous Government mismanagement and a complete collapse in travel demand, additional cuts regrettably had to be made across our Irish airports. "From 14 November to 12 December, Ryanair will only operate from Dublin Airport in Ireland, but operations will resume on 13 December ahead of the Christmas season to allow Irish families to reunite." On Wednesday, Ireland West Airport Knock said it would close for a month following Ryanair's decision. The news has been described as "a further devastating blow" for the airport and its staff, as passenger numbers at the airport fell by 90% this year and annual passenger numbers expected to fall below 150,000 for the entire year, a 20 year low for the airport. The collapse of footfall through the airport is a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic with restrictions on travel across the EU decimating air travel.