Kerry Airport Soars: Fuel Secure, Passenger Numbers Up, and a Call for Road Safety
Kerry Airport is in a strong position, with fuel supplies secure, passenger numbers climbing, and a clear vision for the future. That was the message from the airport's annual general meeting in Tralee, where directors painted a picture of a regional hub that is not just surviving but thriving.
Turnover jumped nearly 20% last year, hitting €10.2 million. The growth came from all directions: more passengers, stronger sales in the gift shop and duty free, and a busy private jet business tied to the Hogs Head Golf Course in Waterville. The 2027 Ryder Cup in Adare is expected to give that private jet traffic another boost.
Passenger Numbers Keep Rising
More than 440,000 people passed through Kerry Airport in 2025, a 5.5% increase on the year before. And the momentum has carried into 2026. Basil Sheerin, the airport's Chief Financial Officer, told the meeting that the first six months of this year saw a 12% surge compared to the same period in 2025.
Demand on the Dublin to Kerry route remains strong. Flights to Alicante have increased from four to five days a week. There are also more flights to Manchester and London Stansted this year.
Kerry Airport is now talking to airlines, including Ryanair, about new routes to the Canary Islands. The meeting heard there is 'large demand to the sun destinations' in the southwest. Adrian Neilan, the airport's new Chief Executive, said increasing routes is 'vital and fundamental' and that meetings are being held with new providers. The airport is in a strong negotiating position, with load factors on existing sun routes above 90%.
Fuel Supply Is Not a Concern
Despite the turmoil in the Middle East, the airport is confident about its fuel supply. Sheerin, responding to questions from those in attendance, said Kerry Airport is in a good place. The airport keeps large stocks and is part of several trade associations. 'There is not an immediate fuel crisis for European Aviation. We don't foresee a problem,' he said.
Fuel sales brought in €5.8 million of turnover last year. Both the price and the number of litres sold have gone up this year.
Government Grants Remain Central
While the airport is performing well, government support is still vital to its profitability. Last year, the core operational grant, known as OPEX, came to over €1.427 million. This grant covers all regional airports – Knock, Donegal, Kerry, and now Waterford – and has been extended for another five years. It will come up for renewal in 2030.
Government capital grants, or COPEX, totalled over €12.8 million for Kerry in 2025.
The airport reported an operating profit after taxation of €840,979 for the year ending 31 December 2025. That is down from €1.37 million the previous year. Administrative expenses rose by 23%, driven by higher payroll costs, more staff, inflation, local authority rates, energy costs, depreciation, and maintenance.
Road Safety: A Local Issue That Could Be Catastrophic
A local issue is high on the airport's agenda. The N23 national primary road that passes the airport is an 80km/h zone. There have been serious near misses recently. Neilan told the AGM, 'These could have been catastrophic.' The airport is seeking a reduction of the speed limit to 50km/h.
New Directors Bring Legal Expertise
Two new co-options to the board of directors were approved at the meeting. Both have legal backgrounds. Martin O'Donoghue, a commercial lawyer, is a former global head of legal affairs with Kerry Group. Eileen O'Donoghue is a director of the Gleneagle Hotel and arena in Killarney and works in the Gleneagle Group's legal department.
Chair of the board Denis Cregan said the airport is in the process of board renewal and is looking to broaden skillsets. He noted that the directors of Kerry Airport work pro-bono, which can be a challenge. 'No one gets paid,' Cregan said.
FAQ: Kerry Airport's Growth and Challenges
How many passengers used Kerry Airport in 2025?
More than 440,000 passengers travelled through the airport in 2025, a 5.5% increase on 2024.
Is Kerry Airport worried about fuel shortages?
No. The airport's financial controller, Basil Sheerin, said the airport is in a good place with large fuel stocks and does not foresee a problem in the coming months.
What new routes is Kerry Airport pursuing?
Kerry Airport is in talks with airlines, including Ryanair, about new routes to the Canary Islands, driven by strong demand for sun destinations.
Why is the airport asking for a lower speed limit on the N23?
The airport is seeking a reduction from 80km/h to 50km/h after a series of serious near misses on the road passing the airport, which the CEO described as potentially catastrophic.