Ryanair, (Tuesday, 24 March) flew a celebration flight into Ireland West Airport Knock Airport to mark 40 years of commercial flights since the airport first opened in 1986 operated by EI-IGG Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 MSN 62348 RYR3846/7 to and from Dublin arriving 1127 and departing 1252. Over that period of the last 40 years, Ryanair, which is Knock’s biggest airline customer has carried over 12 million passengers to/from Knock.
Ireland West Airport, Joe Gilmore, said “We would like to welcome Michael to the airport to mark the 40th anniversary and to recognise the long term business relationship the airport has had with Ryanair since their first service departed the airport in December 1986, this relationship continues to be strong today with the airline serving 17 destinations from the airport, and last year celebrated the wonderful milestone of carrying their 12 millionth passenger through the airport. This summer Ryanair will operate their biggest ever schedule from the airport and we look forward to continuing this strong partnership and to growing our network of routes and services with Ryanair in the future.”
Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary, said “Having Ryanair in Knock Airport is far better than any Sam Maguire. Mayo may have been cursed on the football fields for the last 50 years, but thanks to Knock Airport and Ryanair, it continues to be the champion for low-fare air access and tourism growth in the West of Ireland. With over 1m passengers in 2026, and 17 routes to the UK & Europe, Ryanair and Knock Airport continue to work closely together to deliver low fare traffic and tourism growth for the West of Ireland.”
Ireland West Airport Knock Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in Europe since the Covid pandemic. In 2026, Knock Airport will welcome over 1 million passengers for the first time in its history, up 40% from its pre-Covid 700,000 traffic volumes.
Ryanair continues to invest in and grow at Ireland West Airport Knock Airport operating 17 routes 8 to/from UK and 9 to/from Europe. In Summer 2026, Ryanair expects to carry 1m passengers to/from Knock, and will account for some 95% of Knock Airport’s total traffic, which in 2026 will exceed 1m passengers for the first time ever.
Image Credit: Ireland West Airport
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 27 March 2026 All Rights Reserved