A new support programme has been announced for Ireland's regional airports for the period that extends from 2021 to 2025.
Programme Details
As stated on Ireland West Airport Knock's website, the Regional Airports Programme is underpinned by Project Ireland 2040 and it provides a framework for supporting airports that deliver international connectivity to their regions. Its aim is to support Ireland's regional airports - those that handle less than one million passengers annually - to help them to maintain regulatory compliance in the areas of safety and security.
"Positive News"
Welcoming the announcement in a statement published on Ireland West Airport Knock's website, Ireland West Airport Knock chairman Arthur French said that it "is positive news for the airport and regional Ireland as the supports provided, as part of the programme, are critical for the ongoing sustainability of the airport."
Addressing COVID-19-Related "Liquidity Issues And Damage"
French added, "We also welcome the news that the Department of Transport is engaging with the European Commission to advance further schemes, in line with the package of supports for Irish aviation that were announced by government in November 2020, to address some of the liquidity issues and damage caused to date from COVID-19. We will continue to work with the department to support the airport in the critical position it continues to find itself in as we prepare for another very challenging year for the aviation sector in 2021."
Ireland West Airport Knock 2020 Passenger And Loss Figures
The number of passengers that passed through Ireland West Airport Knock declined by 82% year-on-year in 2020 to 143,000, and the airport experienced a loss of almost €4 million last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The above passenger figure followed the airport's record passenger number of 807,000 in 2019.
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