A NEW direct service from Shannon to Paris has been described by Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey as a significant development in the Shannon Group’s strategy to deliver a broader range of flights and destinations to business and leisure travellers from the Mid-West.

Deputy Carey, who is chairperson of the Shannon Airport Oireachtas Group, said that the twice weekly service to Paris Orly Airport by low-cost Spanish airline Vueling will not only give passengers access to the French capitol but it also provides hub connectivity to other European cities and the Middle East.

“This should prove a significant attraction to the tourism market and also to the many businesses in the Mid West that are focused on the European and Middle Eastern markets.

“It also increases the number of airlines operating out of Shannon to four and should encourage other international carriers to view the airport as a viable alternative to the overburdened Dublin gateway.

“The fact that the Shannon Group continued to invest and develop passenger facilities during the Covid pandemic is now being seen as a major factor in the airport’s ongoing recovery.

“The new security screening technology has proven to be a major factor in enhancing Shannon’s reputation as a passenger friendly airport. I am confident that this will play a significant role in attracting new business to the airport as it continues its post-Covid recovery,” Deputy Carey added.

The new Shannon/Paris service will start on September 12 with flights on Mondays and Fridays and fares starting from €30.99. It brings the total number of services from Shannon to the US, the UK and Europe to 27