Ireland West Airport is gearing up for its busiest summer on record, unveiling an expanded schedule that includes 22 international destinations and an additional 110,000 airline seats for the peak travel season. A new weekly service from Groningen in the Netherlands, operated by Emerald Airlines, marks the airport’s first direct connection with the Dutch city and is expected to boost inbound tourism to the West of Ireland.
The regional hub, located in County Mayo, will be served by four major airlines this summer: Aer Lingus, Lauda Europe, Ryanair, and the newly added Emerald Airlines. The announcement comes on the heels of a record-breaking first quarter in 2025, during which the airport handled 168,000 passengers between January and March—up 6% on the same period in 2024.
Ryanair Expands Services with Increased Capacity and New Rotations
Ryanair, the airport’s largest carrier, is increasing its footprint with flights to 17 destinations this summer, representing a near 20% rise in capacity. The airline is adding more weekly rotations on several popular sun routes, including Alicante, Faro, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca, in response to rising demand for Mediterranean holidays.
Additionally, Ryanair is boosting connectivity to the UK, introducing a twice-daily Monday service to Liverpool, and enhancing frequencies to key cities such as Birmingham, Bristol, London Luton, London Stansted, and Edinburgh. These routes are particularly vital for Irish travellers visiting family or conducting business in the UK, as well as for inbound tourism from Britain to the West of Ireland.
Aer Lingus Continues Strong Heathrow Service
Aer Lingus will maintain its daily service to London Heathrow, a key route that offers seamless onward connectivity to over 80 global destinations via one of Europe’s busiest hubs. The service has seen an 8% year-on-year growth in passenger numbers, underlining its importance for both business and leisure travellers.
The London Heathrow route also supports Ireland West Airport’s strategic goal of becoming a more accessible gateway to the world, particularly for travellers from the West and Northwest of Ireland.
Record First Quarter Sets the Tone for 2025
The first quarter of 2025 was the busiest in the airport’s history, with a combined 168,000 passengers passing through the terminal. Ryanair alone transported 148,000 passengers during this period—an increase of 6% compared to the first quarter of 2024. This surge was largely driven by strong demand for winter sun destinations such as Malaga, Lanzarote, and Tenerife, which remain popular among Irish holidaymakers.
Aer Lingus also contributed to the impressive numbers, particularly through its growing Heathrow service, which has consistently attracted a mix of short-stay travellers, connecting passengers, and business commuters.
New Route from Groningen Opens Gateway to Dutch Market
The launch of a new weekly service from Groningen, starting in June and operated by Emerald Airlines in partnership with BBI Travel, is expected to bring thousands of Dutch tourists to the region. This new connection supports the airport’s efforts to diversify its European route network and strengthen the local tourism economy by opening up new inbound markets.
The direct link with the Netherlands is poised to enhance cultural and economic ties between the two regions, providing Dutch visitors with convenient access to Ireland’s renowned Wild Atlantic Way, Connemara, and other attractions in the West.
Holidaymakers to Benefit from Flexible Travel Options
Commenting on the summer expansion, Joe Gilmore, Managing Director of Ireland West Airport, expressed optimism about the busy season ahead:
“The first quarter of the year has proven to be a very strong one, with record numbers choosing the airport for their short breaks and sun holidays. The increased numbers are a testament to the expanded route network, increased convenience, and the airport’s stress-free nature,” said Gilmore.
He noted that the airport’s summer offering now includes flexible holiday options, with customers able to book 3-, 5-, 7-, or 10-day packages to top sun destinations. This flexibility aligns with shifting traveller preferences and allows families and solo travellers alike to design trips that suit their schedules and budgets.
Gilmore added:
“We look forward to welcoming our loyal customers and indeed new customers to experience the benefits of flying from a convenient, stress-free and customer-friendly airport.”
Strategic Growth Amid Regional Connectivity Goals
Ireland West Airport’s summer expansion aligns with national and regional goals to decentralise air travel and promote regional connectivity. As the only international airport serving the western seaboard between Galway and Donegal, its growing route network is critical to local economic development and tourism promotion.
The increased seat capacity and new route announcements are expected to support Ireland’s broader objectives around sustainable tourism, regional development, and international business travel, particularly as rural parts of the country seek to attract more visitors and investment.
