Operations at Ireland West Airport Knock are to be suspended next week, as a result of the impact of Covid-19 on air travel.
In a statement this afternoon, the airport's Managing Director said all staff would be temporarily laid off, from Monday next.
Joe Gilmore said there had been an unprecedented reduction in customer demand in recent weeks. He said the decision by Aer Lingus and Ryanair to suspend travel to and from Knock Airport in the coming days, meant the airport would have to close.
Mr Gilmore said he hoped the lay off would only be a short-term measure and that business could resume as soon as possible.