Estonian state carrier Nordica is reputedly in advanced talks to take over the Dublin to Kerry route vacated by the collapse this weekend of Stobart Air.
According to a report in the Irish Times, the Estonian airline, which already operates PSO routes in Sweden, has been in talks with Kerry Airport for some months as Stobart’s pandemic-related difficulties have been well known for some time.
According to the report, approaches to Nordica were already “at an advanced stage” and the matter is now with the Department of Transport.
Stobart Air operated two government-funded public service obligation routes between Dublin and Kerry and Dublin and Donegal.
Of the 12 routes operated by Stobart Air – mostly regional services to the UK – Aer Lingus will operate five of them, while two others will be operated by BA CityFlyer – for a week at least.
There are currently no plans to service the two domestic routes, but Kerry Airport CEO John Mulhern said today that he was confident a replacement carrier was ready to step in.
“I am very confident, if the arrangements can be put in place, this may be a lot sooner than expected,” Mr Mulhern said, when asked if another airline could be found to maintain the four flights a day to and from Dublin.