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9% increase in passenger numbers through Kerry Airport in 2018 compared to previous year

OVER 30,000 more people travelled through Kerry Airport in 2018 compared to the previous year which represents a 9% increase year-on-year.

There was a 12% jump in the number of people traveling on the Kerry-Dublin route which has led to Aer Lingus Regional moving from a 48-seat to a 70-seat aircraft to accommodate the increased demand for the service.

The final figures for the 12 months from the 1st January to 31st December 2018 saw just over 365,000 passengers pass through Kerry Airport compared to 335,000 in 2017.

Ryanair carried 32,000 people on the Kerry-Berlin route in its first year of operation achieving an 85% load factor which represents a success and a just reward for Kerry Airport’s promotional efforts in partnership with Kerry County Council and the tourism sector in Kerry.

The Chairman of Kerry Airport, Denis Cregan, said: “The positive growth in passenger numbers through Kerry Airport is both welcome and encouraging as it helps to put us on a stable footing with the cloud of Brexit hovering overhead. The short 50 minutes travel time from Kerry to Dublin is a major saving in time for busy Kerry businesses needing access to Dublin and onward to destinations in the USA, Middle East and Australia.Seamless interlining of the Aer Lingus flights from USA to Kerry via Dublin is seeing increased American tourists coming direct to the Kingdom.

Ryanair’s decision to extend the Berlin route through the summer of 2018 underlines the importance of Kerry as a destination and gateway for the German tourist market and will ensure increased visitor numbers to the region.

“Our strong case to Ryanair to continue the Faro series in its Summer schedule in 2018 resulted in a 34% increase in traffic. Work on additional new routes are on-going with Kerry Airport’s airline partners, Tourism Ireland and the tourism organisations in Kerry.”

Capital Expenditure, supported by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, for the period in question resulted in the development of the magnificent new-look pre-boarding area in the Departures Hall which has led to an improved and more pleasant travel experience for outbound passengers.

The newly-refurbished Gateway Bar and Restaurant at Kerry Airport will make the overall customer experience for passengers more efficient, flavoursome and memorable.

Further improvements in the airport operational facilities are planned for 2019 with a view to keeping Kerry Airport up-to-date in the world of passenger and aircraft safety and security.

“Kerry Airport has become a key gateway for Corporate and Executive Jet Traffic especially from the USA accessing Kerry’s excellent range of Golf facilities, 4 and 5-Star Hotel and Spa offerings and of course the world-renowned Céad Míle Fáilte of the Kerry people,” said Denis Cregan.

Ideally located for anyone wishing to travel on business or pleasure, Kerry Airport services direct flights to seven destinations including: London Luton, London Stansted, Frankfurt-Hahn, Berlin, Alicante & Faro (summer 2019) with Ryanair, and to Dublin with Aer Lingus Regional.

For more information about Kerry Airport, please visit www.KerryAirport.ie or contact +353 66 9764644.