Rossies greet O’Leary as he touches down at Ireland West Airport
Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary paid a brief visit to Ireland West Airport Knock to mark the airport’s 40th anniversary. He is pictured here with Mary McDonnell, a Roscommon supporter who works in the shop at the airport Pic: Michael McLaughlin
Ryanair flew a celebration Boeing 737 into Ireland West Airport Airport Knock to mark 40 years of commercial flights since the airport first opened in 1986. Over the last 40 years the airline has carried over 12m passengers to/from the airport.
This year the airport will welcome close to 1m passengers for the first time in its history, up 40% from its pre-Covid 700,000 traffic volumes.
This summer Ryanair expects to carry over 850,000 passengers to/from the airport, operating 17 routes, 8 to/from the UK and 9 to/from Europe.
Arriving at the airport, sporting the Mayo colours, Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary greeted several Rossies, among them Mary McDonnell who works in the shop at the airport and a number of Roscommon passengers travelling through the airport.
“Having Ryanair in Ireland West 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 the airport and Ryanair, it continues to be the champion for low-fare air access and tourism growth in the West of Ireland. With close to 1m passengers in 2026, and 17 routes to the UK & Europe, Ryanair and Ireland West Airport continue to work closely together to deliver low fare traffic and tourism growth for the West of Ireland," said Mr O'Leary.
Joe Gilmore, the airport’s managing director, welcomed Mr O’Leary to mark the 40th anniversary and to recognise the long term business relationship the airport has had with Ryanair since the first service departed in December 1986.
“This relationship continues to be strong today with the airline serving 17 destinations, and last year celebrating the wonderful milestone of carrying its 12 millionth passenger through the airport. This summer Ryanair will operate its biggest ever schedule from Ireland West Airport and we look forward to continuing this strong partnership and to growing our network of routes and services with Ryanair in the future,” said Mr Gilmore.
