Ireland West Airport has reported its busiest year on record, with passenger numbers reaching 946,381 for the first time, a 13.5% increase on the previous high of 834,000 set in 2024, making it Ireland’s fastest-growing airport last year.
Ireland West Airport Chairman Arthur French, said “We are delighted to report a record year for passenger numbers at the airport, the third consecutive year of record passenger traffic, which is a testament to the continued strong support for the airport. Demand for our routes and services from right across the region and overseas continues to grow, reflected in record passenger numbers of 946,381 last year and, in turn, making it Ireland’s fastest-growing airport. I want to thank the Government, Ministers and TDs for their support for the airport in 2025, and we look forward to continuing to work with Government representatives to further develop and grow the airport from 2026 onwards. I wish to extend our sincere thanks to our customers, airline and tour operator partners, stakeholders, tourism groups and Local Authority partners for their continued support in helping us grow passenger numbers and expand international connectivity for the region. I also want to pay special tribute to our airport staff for their ongoing dedication and focus on ensuring every journey through the airport is both safe and welcoming. We look forward with great optimism for the year ahead and to celebrating a wonderful milestone for the airport as we mark the 40th anniversary of the official opening of the airport, which will be a momentous occasion for the airport and the west of Ireland’.
August was the busiest month on record, with 106,361 passengers, while Sunday 17 August marked the airport’s busiest day ever, with more than 4,600 passengers. In total, over 6,000 flights operated to and from Ireland West Airport in 2025.
Ryanair recorded its strongest year ever at the airport, with record passenger volumes on routes to Edinburgh, Liverpool, London Luton, Manchester, Faro and Malaga. Aer Lingus also delivered a record year, carrying more than 96,000 passengers on its London Heathrow service in 2025.
UK routes accounted for 732,501 passengers during the year, up 10% on 2024 and the highest UK traffic total in the airport’s history. Passenger numbers to mainland and continental Europe rose sharply to 207,603, a 28% year-on-year increase, driven by services to destinations including Alicante, Barcelona, Faro, Majorca, Malaga, Milan, Cologne, Lanzarote and Tenerife.
Image Credit: Ireland West Airport
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