Norwegian won't fly from Shannon or Cork this year amid Boeing 737 Max fears

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Pól Ó Conghaile Twitter Email

June 13 2019 02:30 AM

Low-cost airline Norwegian will offer no further flights from Cork or Shannon airports this year amid the grounding of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets worldwide, following two fatal crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia.

Norwegian has been forced to ground all 18 of its 737 Max planes, affecting the number of flights it has been able to operate across its network.

"Due to the continued grounding of the Boeing 737 Max by the European aviation authorities, our flights to and from Cork and Shannon will be re-routed via Dublin for the remainder of the summer season," the airline said.

"Cork is a seasonal route, while the reduced availability of aircraft has led to the removal of Shannon services this winter.

"Customers travelling to and from Cork and Shannon are being re-accommodated onto different aircraft types between Dublin, New York and Providence to ensure travel plans can continue with minimal disruption."

Affected customers can rebook or receive a refund, and may also claim expenses for rail or bus travel to Dublin "with proof or receipt", it added.

"We would like to sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused," the airline said.

Shannon Airport expressed its disappointment at the news, which compounds the loss of Boeing 737 Max services operated by Air Canada.

Losing the flights "will mean a loss of over 120,000 seats at Shannon in 2019 and as a result our overall passenger numbers will be down", a spokesperson said.

Cork Airport managing director Niall MacCarthy said he regretted the grounding of Norwegian's aircraft.