Airport’s passenger figures up 49%

PASSENGER numbers at Waterford Regional Airport are up 49% compared to this time last year.

Figures for the first quarter of 2006 show that 16,844 passengers flew in to and out of the airport on scheduled services over the three months to March 31.

The corresponding figure for 2005 was 11,288. Last year, 70,668 passengers used scheduled air services to and from Waterford. This was up over 30% on the corresponding full year figure for 2004.

The figures were revealed yesterday as Aer Arann resumed its thrice-weekly service to Lorient in Brittany.

The airline also provides a twice-daily service to London Luton and a thrice-weekly service to and from Manchester.

Airport chairman Nicky Fewer said the facility continues to grow in popularity with those looking for convenient and reasonably-priced flights to and from the south-east.

“Our passenger numbers have built up considerably over the last number of years as the range of services has grown. It is clear that the travelling public recognise that we offer a very attractive alternative to flying through Ireland’s larger and more congested airports.”