710,000 passengers to pass through Mayo airport this year

IRELAND West Airport Knock expects to see 710,000 passengers pass through it this year - a 12% decline on the 2019 figures, pre-Covid.

Projected passenger numbers next year are over 800,000, with an expected recovery to 2019 levels by 2024.

A significant capital expenditure programme of circa €30 million is planned at the airport over the next five years, including a safety expansion of the main aeroplane parking apron, an electrical upgrade, as well as fire, ATC and security upgrades.

As the airport bounces back with a strong recovery post-pandemic, CEO Joe Gilmore told members of Mayo County Council's economic and enterprise strategic policy committee (SPC): “It's great to be back in business.”

A meeting of the SPC was held in the airport boardroom where the passenger numbers this year were described as 'outstanding' by Councillor Paul McNamara.

Looking to the future, Mr. Gilmore said the airport is hopeful the Canaries will be back on its flight schedule next year, and they will be looking to extend connectivity in Europe too.

Summer '23 will see seat capacity restored to circa 100% of pre-Covid levels.

The CEO did attach a word of caution to forecasts, conscious of any further possible pandemic issues and geopolitical issues.

Like all businesses, the airport has cost pressures, like rising electricity prices. That bill was €18,000 in August 2021. This year it had risen to €50,000.

The facility has to be lit at night, for things like CCTV for the carparks, and going into winter electricity costs will increase.

Issues raised by SPC members included car hire availability, opportunities for flights to France, and improved public transport for the airport, including rail, with possible links to Ballyhaunis or Claremorris, as well as progress on the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) at the airport.