700000 passengers as knock airport has its busiest year

2014 has proven to be a record-breaking year at Ireland West Airport Knock, with passenger numbers exceeding 700,000 for the first time in the airport’s 29-year history.

The annual number of passengers using the airport increased by over 38,000 to 703,324 - an increase of 5.7% on 2013 numbers.

The airport now serves over 20 international destinations and is served by three of Europe’s major international airlines, Aer Lingus, Flybe and Ryanair.

August 2014 also saw the airport experience its busiest ever month with a total of 102,774 passengers passing through the terminal - the first time in the 28-year history that over 100,000 passengers have used the airport in a calendar month.

Last year saw a major increase in traffic to/from the UK, which represents the airport’s biggest market, with traffic up 9.4% on 2013 numbers. Particularly strong performers were Ryanair’s London services to Stansted and Luton, which carried an extra 44,000 passengers (20% increase), whilst Aer Lingus’s London Gatwick service grew by 6%. Flybe services to Manchester and Birmingham also performed strongly, with passenger numbers up 9% across both routes.

In addition, a number of important safety and security upgrades were carried out at the airport in 2014 including the installation of an airport-wide CCTV system, costing €200,000, whilst a €1.7m upgrade of the runway end safety area and aircraft turning circle was completed to meet existing regulatory requirements.

Commented Joe Gilmore, managing director at Ireland West Airport Knock: “We are delighted to have had a record year in 2014 with record numbers on almost all of our services, highlighting the airport’s importance as the main international gateway for the west and northwest of Ireland and indeed the Wild Atlantic Way.

“I would like to express our thanks to all our customers, stakeholders, tourism groups, local authorities and government representatives for their continued support in helping us to grow and develop essential international connectivity, that will lead to more jobs and prosperity for the people of the region.

“I would also like to say a special word of thanks to the staff at the airport for their hard work and continued focus on ensuring the customer and passenger experience through the airport is both a safe and welcoming one.”