Ryanair Pushes for Higher Passenger Cap to Boost Regional Airport Funding

Ryanair has urged the Irish government to increase the passenger cap on its Regional Airports Program, which currently limits funding to airports with fewer than 1 million passengers per year. The airline suggests raising this cap to 2 million passengers to encourage regional airports to boost traffic, promote tourism, and stimulate economic growth.

Ryanair DAC CEO Eddie Wilson argues that the current cap contradicts Ireland’s National Aviation Policy, penalizing airports like Knock that are poised to grow beyond the 1 million passenger mark. “It makes no sense that regional airports are being penalized for growing tourism and delivering economic benefits,” Wilson said.

The airline plans to invest over $1.6 billion in Irish airports, aiming to double traffic at Cork, Kerry, and Shannon airports and establish a base at Ireland West Airport Knock. However, this potential growth could be stymied by the current funding cap.

In 2023, Cork Airport handled 2.8 million passengers, while Ireland West, Kerry, and Shannon airports saw 813,000, 414,000, and 1.9 million passengers, respectively. The Regional Airports Program 2021-2025 has already allocated more than €11 million to Donegal, Kerry, Ireland West, and Shannon airports, with a total funding of €28 million for 2023.

The Irish government’s mid-term review of the program, published on July 16, stated that the program is meeting its objectives but acknowledged the need for a phased approach to extend support for airports exceeding the 1 million passenger threshold. A €4.2 million Regional State Airports Sustainability Program is also set to support sustainability plans for Cork and Shannon airports.

Transport Minister James Lawless noted the 9% increase in passenger traffic across regional airports in the first half of the year and has called for consultations to explore potential support for new strategic routes and further regional connectivity.