According to Cork Independent reports, Aer Lingus plans to cancel a twice-daily service to Gatwick at the end of the summer season. Cork Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Connor Healy expressed his disappointment at the decision: "It is a very important connection to a major London airport. This will reduce travel options for business people and leisure users. While I know Ryanair will continue to operate the route this will reduce competition.” Healy stressed the importance of Aer Lingus providing a service to the British airport, as a Cork Chamber of Commerce study found that the company is the first preference airline for Cork to United Kingdom routes for 76 per cent of all asked businesses. “London airports were also the most heavily used onward flight connection point for businesses departing from Cork, accounting for 45 per cent of all onward business airline travel,” said Healy.
