Media Archive

Over 230,000 passengers in 2004

2004 saw Galway Airport’s record growth continue at a rate of 63% on 2003, increasing passenger numbers by over 92,000 in 2004 to 230,106 and maintaining its position as the fastest growing airport in Ireland, far exceeding international averages.

Many new destinations during the year helped to boost the Airport’s performance. These include Birmingham, Glasgow, and Lorient in France. The new Edinburgh service has proved to be exceptionally popular, particularly as a short stay leisure destination.

Galway now has seven successful direct national and international services, demonstrating the need for direct, convenient access to and from the region.

Commenting on a successful year, Galway Airport Chairman, Joe Higgins said: “There have been remarkable improvements over the last twelve months. Passenger numbers have reached record levels, we hope to consolidate and improve on these figures during the coming year.”

The year also saw the completion of an extensive capital development programme, with upgrades to the apron area of the airport, increased space for aircraft and car parking, a new perimeter fence line, a new runway surface, a new flight information display system, and a new entrance lobby, complete with ATM and wireless internet access.








The installation of a state-of-the-art Instrument Landing System (ILS) now allows aircraft to descend lower in poor visibility conditions and reduces the risk of diversion. Since the introduction of the system there have been no weather diversions from Galway, compared to 23 flight diversions/cancellations due to weather in December 2003.

Galway Airport was awarded the Q Mark in 2003, and last year, was selected as one of the three finalists for the Quality Award for Service in the national Excellence Ireland awards.

“One of the unique factors of Galway Airport is that passengers can be at home within minutes of touchdown,” said Airport Chairman, Joe Higgins. “I
would like to congratulate Aer Arann on their commitment to Galway, and to commend Loganair/British Airways for commencing a Glasgow service, which establishes the airline as the second carrier operating from Galway. I would also like to express my thanks to the Department of Transport for the financial assistance through the National Development Plan, towards the infrastructural improvements at Galway Airport.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact:


Dr. Joe Higgins
Chairman
Galway Airport

or

Jarlath Feeney
General Manager
Galway Airport
091 755569 extn 114
086 230 8899