Kerry Airport needs to maintain subsidy

The future of daily flights from Kerry Airport on the Kerry/Dublin route depends on the continuation of a strong government subsidy.

That was the message to shareholders yesterday from airport board vice-chairman Liam Chute, who said the Farranfore facility was very dependent on government grants, especially the current public service obligation (PSO) grant, which expires this year.

Negotiations have been held between airport and government representatives and Kerry politicians are supporting the case for the grant, he told the AGM.

“Without the PSO, we would not have the service to Dublin which, at €44 each way, offers value that compares favourably with rail and road,’’ said Mr Chute.

Aer Lingus Regional has the PSO contract for Kerry, which is operated on its behalf by Aer Arann.

Passenger numbers at Kerry Airport were up by 7% in 2013. A total of 306,042 people went through the airport, compared to 286,442 the previous year. There was a 6% passenger increase on the Kerry/Dublin route and 7% and 10%, respectively, on London and Frankfurt routes.

However, there was an operating loss of €82,112, compared to a 2012 loss of €168,330.