Donegal Airport Exceeds Traffic Estimates
Donegal Airport Management are pleased to confirm that 61,410 passengers used the airport in the calendar year 2007, an 8.3% increase on 2006. A spokesperson at the airport said “we are delighted with this level of growth, our main operation is the Dublin twice daily service with Aer Arann and the Glasgow Prestwick service – Dublin achieved a growth of 5.5% and Prestwick 7.4%. The extension of the oil related business to seven months was also a significant contributor” Over the past five years traffic has increased by 156%, the airport is now considered as a main element in the County’s infrastructure. She said “ the last three years in particular has been significant, the upgrading of the services to early morning departure and late return to/from Dublin with a higher specification aircraft giving a flight time of 45 minutes has expanded the catchment area throughout the County. The mid afternoon times also give people making onward connections more options”
It is expected that 2008 will be an even busier year with the introduction of a new holiday charter from Rotterdam in Holland from April, this initiative is a joint effort with Fáilte Ireland North West, Donegal Airport, Saoire Fáilte and Buro Britian, a Dutch Tour Operator. The proposal is to bring Dutch tourists directly into the County and spend 10 to 15 days in various locations. Additional business is expected from the oil/gas industry in 2008 also, Shell propose to operate two rigs for a period off shore and Statoil will begin a new operation which will mean direct charters to/from Aberdeen and Stravanger in Norway along with additional helicopter activity. There are 33 people employed in Donegal Airport and airport activity contributes indirectly to other job creation in the region. The Board of Donegal Airport recently appointed Michael McLoone, County Manager as the new Chairman. Airport Management see his acceptance of the role as a vote of confidence in the future of Donegal Airport, “ to have someone of Michael’s calibre on Board with his experience, expertise and many contacts is very positive”
For futher information contact
Eilis Barrett
Operations Manager
eilisbarrett@donegalairport.ie