€30m plan bids to bring commercial flights back to Waterford Airport

Runway extension part of proposal for airport's first commercial flights since 2016

International flights will return to Waterford Airport if a €30m private funding project is approved which will see the airport's runway extended.  

International flights will return to Waterford Airport if a €30m private funding project is approved which will see the airport's runway extended.  

The €30m proposal from the Bolster Group to bring international flights back to Waterford Airport will be put before Waterford City and County councillors this month. If it gets the green light from councillors, commercial flights will return to Ireland's South East region for the first time since 2016.

The Bolster Group, which is leading the project, said construction work would be scheduled to begin imminently if green lighted, with the runway extended and upgraded to accommodate commercial 180 seat jet aircraft. 

"It is fantastic to have such private funding in place, removing the need for government money and allowing immediate construction to start. I urge the Council to seriously consider this monumental opportunity for Waterford and the South East,” said Bolster Group executive William Bolster.

The runway extension will be subject to council agreement. 

Waterford Airport opened its doors in 1985 with Ryanair’s inaugural flight departing for London Gatwick. Commercial flights have not operated there in the past decade. The airport provides aviation facilities for coastguard search and rescue, the Air Corps and maritime patrols and training. 

In 2023, the airport brokered a €12m deal with the Galway-based Comer Group for the development of a runway extension and at the end of 2023, then Finance Minister Michael McGrath announced plans for an extended runway which would allow bigger planes such as Boeing 737s to land there. But in 2024, then Junior Transport Minister James Lawless said any investment in Waterford Airport to resume commercial scheduled services was contingent on proof there would be demand. "Evidence shows a sharp decline in passenger traffic through Waterford Airport over the period 2009-2016 when passenger services ceased," Mr Lawless said in October 2024. 

"Any future investment would therefore need to be contingent on significant evidence of demand and industry commitment to operate services on larger aircraft, such as would justify the proposed lengthening of the runway."

Backers of the new plan say the proposal would remove the need for State funding for the project. 

Waterford Chamber of Commerce chief executive Gerald Hurley described the airport development plan as a "pivotal moment" for the South East. "The development of Waterford Airport would be a catalyst for growth, enhancing tourism, improving regional connectivity, competitiveness and confidence," Mr Hurley said.

“It would also open new opportunities for investment and projects such as offshore wind energy across the region. The investment shows what is possible when we come together with ambition, passion and focus. If we get the go ahead, it will send a clear message that the South East is ready to grow and lead on a national stage.”