- Waterford Airport is in talks with Ryanair for a 2027 return
- The €30m redevelopment includes runway extension and terminal upgrades
- The runway is being extended to 2,287 metres and widened to 45 metres
- The airport targets 400,000 passengers annually within five years
- Approximately 1.8m airline tickets are bought by South East residents each year
Waterford Airport is in talks with Ryanair as it prepares for the return of scheduled passenger flights in 2027. Chief Executive William Bolster confirmed discussions with the airline and stated flights will operate next year if construction progress continues. The €30m redevelopment includes runway extension and terminal upgrades, with a target of around 400,000 passengers annually.
The runway is being extended to 2,287 metres and widened to 45 metres. The new size allows commercial jets like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 to land. Construction work is moving ahead of schedule, with passenger services targeted for 2027. Discussions have also started with a regional airline. Emerald Airlines, the operator of Aer Lingus Regional, has welcomed the project and noted it is open to new commercial opportunities.
The airport aims to handle 400,000 passengers annually within five years of reopening. The project hopes to restore direct international travel options for people living in the South East of Ireland. Approximately 1.8m airline tickets are bought by residents in the South East each year.
William Bolster shared talks with Ryanair are underway and flights will “definitely” operate next year if construction progress continues.
