Any reduction in the level of connectivity at Cork Airport will have ripple effects for business in the region.
That's the view of Cork Chamber who say the aviation industry will need state support into 2022 to help it recover from the biggest downturn in recent history.
Aer Lingus announced last week that it intends to close its Cork base between September and the end of November, impacting 198 ground staff and cabin crew.
It follows Ryanair's announcement that it would keep its Cork base closed until winter at the earliest.
Speaking to RedFM News, CEO of Cork Chamber Conor Healy says the closure of bases is worrying.
"Connectivity is really important, and if you look at that combined level of connectivity across Europe and the US from both Shannon and Cork airports, any reduction on that connectivity will have an impact on business, not just in Cork but across Munster.
"Strong regional connectivity is a key element of decision making of business in terms of where they're going to locate, and we certainly need to ensure that Cork gets back up to the level of connectivity we had pre covid."
