Ryanair shutting down the Girona base
It was in December, when Ryanair announced a five-year extension agreement for the Girona base. But as a result of a new Catalonian government reaching power, the deal was written off.
5 aircrafts have been relocated, 18 routes closed and 17 reduced beginning March 2011.
The new government failed to confirm the deal
Two months back, Ryanair went public with the extension agreement for its Girona base. The base should have expanded to 10 aircrafts by summer 2011. Up to 4 million passengers were expected to use the enhanced network of 64 routes.
Today, everything has changed. In a press release, Ryanair states that due to the government refusal, plans for expansion are cancelled. The new government of Catalonia didn't support the deal, despite being thoroughly consulted on it.
Girona presence to be reduced starting March
The five aircrafts, currently based at Girona Barcelona (GRO), will be relocated elsewhere in Europe. Of the 64 routes planned for 2011, 18 are cancelled completely and 17 will reduce frequencies. This in total equates 100 less weekly flights. The airline estimated over 1,700 local jobs will be lost.
Two other bases remain in the region
An another base exists for several years already at Tarragona Reus Salou (REU). In September last year, the airline opened an additional base in the region. At Barcelona's main airport Barcelona (BCN), serving about 20 routes.
Stephen Philips
I have lived in area at Roses near the Bay of Roses nearly 9 years.
The area is crying out for people to visit the area it has everything that you could wish for a holiday. Now that Gerona shutting down there must be many people losing their jobs now they are on the dole.
With the Euro problem the catalan people that are in the government see to be in a different planet. The goverment before this one it was busy at the airport, new taxes were bought, new car parks constructed,, lots of people working there, chefs at hotels, new name it jobs were created in the area. Mr O,leary to me was great and still is brilliant.
The government must have a wealthy lifestile which means that for all the jobs that have bean lost to them they do not care or worry about their PEOPLE. I would not shake hands on a deal with this lot.
Whichairline.com
Hi Stephen,
Well, then the local people should use their vote and express what they think about the decision makers. It takes time but that is the way things work, I am afraid.
Thanks for your comment & greetings