Knock to Scranton flight route being explored

US President Joe Biden is backing the proposal

By Caoimhín Rowland

REPORTS have emerged of a strategic plan between Knock airport and senior US politicians, including President Joe Biden, to create a transatlantic flight from Ireland West Airport to Scranton, Pennsylvania.

The potential route has garnered significant attention, and it aims to further strengthen the ties between the two regions while providing a direct link for tourists and the wider diaspora.

The idea of establishing direct flights from Knock airport to the USA has a long history, dating back to the 1980s.

However, due to competition with Shannon Airport and potential political backlash, previous plans to facilitate American tourists' visits to the nearby pilgrimage site were not realised.

In April, President Joe Biden made headlines when Air Force One touched down at Knock airport, bringing global recognition to the airport and honouring the legacy of its founder, Monsignor James Horan.

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, efforts were already underway to develop a direct flight route from Ireland West Airport to Scranton. However, the aviation industry faced challenges with flight cancellations and travel restrictions during the pandemic, delaying the progress.

Bill Gaughan, a politician from Scranton vying to become County Commissioner of Lackawanna County, met with Joe Gilmore, managing director at Knock airport, on Friday to discuss potential flight routes.

A former US army base outside Scranton was previously mentioned as a possible destination for the transatlantic flight in 2019.

The success of the first Aer Lingus flight from Cleveland, Ohio, to Dublin Airport earlier this year has demonstrated the potential for connections between the US and Ireland.