RYANAIR is to launch two new routes from Kerry to southern Europe in the spring.

The news, which was to be announced on Wednesday morning, will come as a massive boost for the fortunes of the Farranfore airport following Ryanair's recent decision to reduce its winter flights between Kerry and London Stansted.

While Ryanair had yet to officially announce the routes at the time of going to press, The Kerryman understands they are likely to involve two major centres in southern Europe. The airline is developing its routes to Spain and Portugal so Kerry may have soon have a quick link to the sun.

The routes, which are expected to open in late March will likely come at the expense of Shannon Airport, following the heated negotiations between the air carrier and the Dublin Airport Authority over landing charges at Shannon.

Ryanair Chief Executive, Michael O'Leary, warned recently that the company's difficulties with the landing costs at Shannon would likely prove of benefit to Kerry Airport.

Shannon Airport and Ryanair continued talks over the controversial charges until the airport signalled its refusal to drop charges last week. Ryanair's criticism of what it sees as unfairly heavy costs has a long history, beginning with the aviation regulator's decision to allow a 23 per cent increase in charges at Shannon, to help fund Dublin Airport's expansion.

- DONAL NOLAN dnolan@kerryman.ie