Kerry Airport reports 11% fall in passengers

KERRY AIRPORT yesterday reported an 11% fall in passenger numbers to 371,796, with reductions on all routes last year due to the recession.

Domestic routes contracted by 10%, EU routes by 12% and British routes by just 3%.

Revenue was down 10% to €6,252,221, overhead costs rose by 8% and there was an operating profit of €179,239, down 32% on the previous year.

Commenting on the airport board’s annual report and accounts for the year ended October 31, 2009, board chairman Denis Cregan said the fall in traffic was “significant”, but marginally ahead of the total market decline of 13%.

The board has put on hold a major expansion plan, which had been approved for state funding, costing more than €20 million.

Airport financial controller Basil Sheerin said the airport would have to continue investing in safety and security systems and on ensuring the airport was run with maximum efficiency.

The Kerry Airport plc AGM will be held at the Earl of Desmond Hotel, Killarney Road, Tralee, on Wednesday, June 30, at 11.30am. Kerry Airport won the Irish Airport of the Year Award in 2005.