Airport rejects claim of ‘tea-breaks’ danger to flights

Date Published: 06-Aug-2009

Galway Airport management have vehemently rejected a claim they have engaged in “unusual and dangerous practice” by closing down for “tea breaks” during operating hours.

A light aircraft pilot who recently flew into the airport has also slammed airport management for having exorbitant landing and parking charges, which he claims are around five times higher than similar European airports, and will have a negative impact on tourism.

However, the claims regarding safety at the airport have been rejected by Managing Director Joe Walsh, who described them as “totally inappropriate and unqualified”.

He stressed that there are two 20 to 30 minutes mandatory breaks – imposed by air traffic control regulations – during the day, and that there are emergency…