BREAKING: Multi million euro boost for high-flying Mayo airport

Good news for Ireland West Airport in Knock as more than five million Euro in funding was announced today.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Alan Dillon TD said: ‘This investment underscores the Government’s strong commitment to supporting our regional airports, which play a vital role in promoting tourism and sustaining local employment. The funding ensures that Knock Airport has the resources it needs to continue delivering essential services. With a busy summer season ahead, the airport is well-positioned to welcome a high volume of visitors.”

Senator Mark Duffy from Mayo, Fine Gael’s spokesperson on transport has welcomed the news.

Ballina native, Duffy explains “The government is committed to continued investment in the Regional Airports Programme and the level of investment being announced today recognises the fundamental importance of Ireland West Airport to the region and beyond. As a Senator based in Co. Mayo, I am fully aware that connectivity is critical to the economic success of the region and today’s announcement will underpin the future development and continued growth of the airport”.

The total investment of €5.664 million will be targeted at improved safety and security measures at the airport while also supporting projects with a sustainability focus assisting the airport to meet its carbon reduction targets as well as building resilience against climate change. 

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Since it opened in 1985, the Mayo airport has developed into a major regional airport offering flights to 22 international destinations. 2024 saw a busy year at the airport with 834,000 passengers using the West of Ireland airport. In the opening quarter of 2025, numbers have increased 6% on the same period last year.

Duffy states “This sustained growth underscores Ireland West Airport’s expanding role as a key regional hub, offering increased connectivity and convenience for travellers in the west of Ireland, and the government is absolutely committed to supporting the ongoing developments at the airport which will ultimately benefit the economy, facilitate increased tourism and drive investment”. 

The latest round of funding will support a range of development at Ireland West Airport Knock as the airport continues to grow year on year.

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