Ryanair CEO Skeptical About Waterford Airport’s Future
During Ryanair’s recent quarterly press conference, CEO Michael O’Leary cast doubt on the future of Waterford Airport. O’Leary, known for his no-nonsense approach, suggested that the airport has no commercial future and criticized efforts to secure government funding for a jet runway.
CEO’s Criticism of Airport Expansion Plans
“There’s a bunch of local lunatics there who are determined to get a government grant to build a jet runway,” O’Leary told the media, implying that the project is unnecessary and impractical.
Ryanair’s Future Plans in Waterford
When asked about potential operations for Ryanair’s 40th anniversary, O’Leary deferred the question to a spokesperson. The spokesperson emphasized that the airport is within close driving distance of Dublin and highlighted the numerous flight options available from there. O’Leary also suggested that Waterford falls within the catchment area of larger airports like Cork and Dublin.
According to O’Leary, Waterford could potentially host a few daily flights from London if a low-cost base were made available at no cost. However, he remains convinced that the airport lacks a viable commercial future.
Local Advocates Disagree with Ryanair’s Assessment
William Bolster, the Board Director and largest shareholder of Waterford Airport, expressed a decidedly different viewpoint. In an interview with the Irish Independent, Bolster said, “While it would not be the first time I was called a lunatic, I look forward to engaging with Ryanair and the management team on the possibilities for Waterford Airport. I hope to explore all options with the various European low-cost airlines in due course.”
Bolster pointed out that Waterford Airport received significant support in recent local and national elections, highlighting it as the top issue in the region. This resounding public support underscores the necessity of the project, according to Bolster.
MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú Intervenes
Adding to the debate, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, MEP for Ireland South and a member of the EU Transport Committee, welcomed Ryanair’s proposed two new flights between Waterford and London. “That would be an enormous boost for the region to be connected with a global capital such as London. I see that as an excellent start for a small regional airport like Waterford,” she said.
Ní Mhurchú dismissed O’Leary’s commentary as uninformed, arguing that there are thousands of airlines worldwide that could be interested in operating flights to and from the Waterford Airport. The MEP emphasized that her office would engage with many of these airlines to explore potential opportunities.
Government Commitment to Waterford Airport
The 2025 Programme for Government has committed funds specifically to Waterford Airport, underpinning this commitment with a strong business case for further airport development. Ní Mhurchú also outlined additional potential benefits, including the possibility of establishing Ireland’s National Aerospace Academy at the site.
Potential for Aerospace Research and Development
According to Ní Mhurchú, a draft report from the engineering department at the South East Technological University (SETU) revealed that Waterford Airport possesses adequate airspace and technology infrastructure for unmanned air vehicle testing. Additionally, it has a suitable runway for small aircraft operations. “Connecting a university like SETU with an airport of this size is similar to established models in Europe,” she explained. Ní Mhurchú referred to Hans Christen Andersen Airport in Denmark and its UAS test facility as comparable examples.
Exploring Sustainable Aviation Fuels
The MEP also discussed the usefulness of small airports like Waterford as hubs for developing and implementing sustainable aviation fuels. Ireland hosts a significant portion of the global aircraft leasing industry, making it particularly well-positioned in this space. The European Commission aims to increase the use of sustainable fuels from 2% in 2025 to 70% by 2050, presenting a substantial opportunity for Waterford Airport to contribute to this goal.
