Another Covid setback for Knock airport following its reopening after a month

Flights in and out of Ireland West Airport Knock have been cancelled due to the government's ban on UK airport traffic as a result of growing concerns over the new Covid-19 strain.

The move has impacted on people who had booked flights home to Mayo for Christmas from London Stansted and Luton today and Tuesday.

It is expected the ban will be extended when the cabinet reviews the decision tomorrow (Tuesday).

Passengers due to travel to and from Ireland West Airport Knock in the coming days are advised to contact Ryanair.

It's another major setback for the Mayo airport which had only reopened last Friday after being closed down for a month.

A statement on the Ireland West Airport Facebook page stated: "Arrangements are being put in place to facilitate the repatriation of Irish residents on short trips to the UK and planning to return in the coming days as well as international travellers to Ireland who are transiting through the UK.

"Arrangements are being put in place to facilitate the repatriation of Irish residents on short trips to Great Britain and planning to return in the coming days, as well as international travellers to Ireland who are transiting through Great Britain.

"Passengers due to travel over the coming days are advised to contact Ryanair."

All incoming flights from mainland Britain have been grounded and ferry crossings are restricted to cargo only.

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has not ruled out the possibility that new mutated strain of the virus has already reached Ireland.