Knock Airport reports record passenger numbers in 2012

2012 was a record year for Ireland West airport in Knock as passenger numbers reached 685,000 for the first time. Notwithstanding massive challenges within the aviation industry in the last twelve months, Ireland West Airport Knock's latest traffic figures show that 2012 was its busiest year in its 26 year history. During last year the annual number of passengers, including large numbers from the Midlands, using Ireland West Knock increased by over 30,000 to 685,000 - an increase of 5% on 2011 numbers. The airport now serves over 25 International destinations and is served by five of Europe's biggest airlines including Lufthansa. A recent independent study by Ernst and Young Economic Consultants stated that the airport supports a total of 914 jobs in the region with an overall economic contribution of €143m annually. The airport predicts that the current economic conditions will continue to influence travel patterns in 2013 but already there has been positive new route announcements in the past couple of weeks with the news that Ryanair will commence a new weekly service to Malaga which starts in April. Also recently announced, Sunway, Ireland largest Irish owned Tour Operator, have confirmed a new weekly service to Palma Majorca will start in June. This is the second service Sunway will operate from Ireland West Airport Knock along with their weekly programme to Lanzarote Commenting on the record 2012 performance, Joe Gilmore, Managing Director at Ireland West Airport Knock said: "We are delighted to have had a record year in 2012 against what is currently a very difficult environment in the aviation industry. Whilst 2012 was our busiest year ever, without doubt, 2013 will be a challenge for everyone in the region. More than ever the airport needs the support of the people in this region and in particular engagement at a strategic level with Government representatives at all levels to ensure that future Government Aviation Policy enables this airport is to continue to grow and develop essential international connectivity that will lead to more jobs and prosperity for the people of the West and North West of Ireland."