WATERFORD Airport’s new services to Britain will not go ahead as planned, with customers promised a refund.
Aer Southeast has said it will not be able to launch its British services later this month after the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) told the carrier to stop taking bookings because it did not have the required licence to do so.
The airline was set to launch three new British services to London-Luton, Manchester and Birmingham on July 24 but the date has now been postponed.
A new date has not been set but it is hoped the services from Waterford to the three airports in Britain will still go ahead later this year.
In a statement, Chief executive Einar Adalsteinsson apologised to passengers and said customers who have already bought tickets will be fully reimbursed by the airline.
We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused to customers, you will be 100% reimbursed beginning today. pic.twitter.com/n1J8BEVB9B
— Aer Southeast IRL (@AerSoutheastIRL) July 7, 2017
"Aer Southeast remains fully committed to operating flights between Waterford, London-Luton, Manchester and Birmingham, and we will work closely with CAR in the coming weeks to ensure that the correct licensing system is put in place,” Mr Adalsteinsson said.
"Once we are in a position to recommence taking bookings, we will communicate with our customers immediately.
"I want to personally thank the very significant number of customers who booked with us on our opening day and those who supported us through our recent difficulties, particularly the management team at Waterford Airport.
Statement from Waterford Airport on the @AerSoutheastIRL decision to refund fares. pic.twitter.com/yl9OEwzscp
— WaterfordAirport (@WATairport) July 7, 2017
"We are heartened by the positive response we have received from the people of the region and from further afield and despite the less-than-ideal position we have found ourselves in recently, we are fully confident that there is a lot of demand for our services and a lot of goodwill towards the Aer Southeast and Waterford Airport."
He added: "It is now clear that we will not be able to launch our services on July 24 as originally planned but we look forward to welcoming our customers aboard our maiden flight later on this summer. Once again I thank all of you for your support and forbearance."
Waterford airport has welcomed the announcement, saying they “look forward to working closely with Aer Southeast once the company has acquired the correct licence.”
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