Kerry Airport says airlines decide new routes as Belfast link explored

Kerry Airport has stated that decisions regarding new services and route development ultimately rest with airline operators, radiokerry.ie reported. The announcement follows a statement from Kerry County Council at a full council meeting, where the local authority said it was liaising with the airport regarding a potential route between Kerry and Belfast. [1]

A spokesperson for Kerry Airport explained that airline negotiations must be grounded in evidence-based information, radiokerry.ie reported. The spokesperson added that the airport is currently developing a five-year strategic plan to guide future infrastructure and route decisions. The airport is also seeking to expand its route network after experiencing record-breaking passenger growth. [1]

The airport is located in Farranfore, County Kerry, Ireland, seven nautical miles north of the Ring of Kerry and eight nautical miles southeast of Tralee. Passenger services at the location are operated by Ryanair and French airline Chalair. In 2024, the airport handled 417,409 passengers. [2]

Established as a public limited company in July 1968, the airport officially opened on 30 August 1969 to serve the regional tourism and economic needs. It acts as a gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way and is owned and operated by Kerry Airport plc. The facility features a single runway measuring 2,000 metres by 45 metres, equipped with an Instrument Landing System. [3]