Ireland West Airport Knock's passenger numbers increased by 314% year on year last year to 722,000, from 174,000 the previous year, and recovered to 89% of the 807,000 figure recorded for pre-COVID-19 pandemic 2019, according to a statement published on the airport's website.
Details
The number of passengers who travelled to and from Europe exceeded 2019 levels, rising 9% to 138,621, while 578,000 passengers travelled to and from the UK, and Ryanair experienced its busiest year ever at the airport, carrying 654,000 passengers, according to the statement published on IrelandWestAirport.com.
Statement By Chairman
The statement published on IrelandWestAirport.com quoted Ireland West Airport Knock chairman Arthur French as saying, "The airport are delighted to report a much improved performance in 2022 following two extremely challenging years, recording a strong recovery, reaching passenger numbers of 722,000 in 2022. Last year's passenger throughput reached 89% of pre-COVID levels which is very encouraging given most industry experts forecasted it would be 2024-2025 at the earliest before airports recovered to these kind of passenger numbers. In addition, I wish to recognise some notable achievements in 2022 by our staff, which include International recognition by the World Health Organisation for our staffs efforts in creating a more age friendly environment at our airport. Furthermore, it was particularly pleasing for the airport to present a cheque for a record amount of €42,500, to the airports three staff nominated charities for 2022 - Childhood Cancer Ireland, Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and The Sensational Kids Charity, to support the fantastic work that these charities all undertake, which really does make such a difference to the people that they support in our community. Finally, I would like to thank our customers, airline partners, stakeholders, tourism groups, local authorities, chambers and government representatives for their ongoing support through what’s been a very challenging two years and 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 continues to be both a safe and welcoming one. As we look ahead to 2023, I am encouraged by the outlook for the year ahead which will see the airport return to pre pandemic passenger levels and despite the many challenges that currently exist in the aviation industry, we are confident of further growth over the next 12 months."
