Ryanair is to open four new routes between Knock airport and Spain, German, Italy and France next summer, linking south Mayo with one of Europe’s largest tourism markets.
The new air links between Knock and Girona (Barcelona), Hahn (Frankfurt), Bergamo (Milan) and Beauvais (Paris) will bring to 14 the total number of Ryanair routes operating from the airport.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny today welcomed the announcement, saying the challenge now is for tourist interests in the west to make the most of the opportunity.
The development is expected to boost numbers at Knock airport by 10 per cent to an anticipated 725,000 passengers next year. Some 500,000 of these passengers will be on Ryanair flights, according to Ireland West Airport chief executive Joe Gilmore.
Tourism Ireland chief executive Niall Gibbons also welcomed the development, and said that European visitors were the “best ambassadors” for Ireland. Tourism Ireland intended to run a strong campaign with Ryanair to market the western region, he said.
The Western Development Commission has described it as a “significant boost” to tourism, which will sustain more than 500 jobs in Ireland West Airport.
Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary said the new destinations will boost employment in the region.
"Knock Airport today celebrates four new Ryanair routes in summer 2012 to Barcelona, Frankfurt, Milan and Paris, taking Ryanair's Knock routes to 14, which will deliver over 500,000 passengers and sustain more than 500 jobs in Knock next summer."