Kerry Airport experienced a 78% drop in passenger numbers during 2020.
This decline in passengers is reflected in the subsequent 60% reduction in total revenue the Farranfore-based airport experienced during last year. The figures are contained in the airport’s annual report and accounts for 2020.
CEO of Kerry Airport, John Mulhern says were it not for the total collapse of air travel resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport would have undoubtedly continued its journey of growth. Total passenger numbers at Kerry Airport last year were down to 82,959; that’s compared to a high of 369,836 in 2019.
Kerry Airport is reporting an operating loss after tax last year of €144,996, down from a profit of just over €1 million in 2019. The report states this year (2021) has continued the downward trend and passenger numbers this year will reflect similarly to those of 2020. However, it adds the roll-out of vaccinations, which has accelerated, and the EU Digital Covid Certificate may well see a return to better revenues in late summer. The company remains fully financed from its own resources and does not rely on external sources of finance.
CEO of Kerry Airport, John Mulhern says it’s difficult to reflect on 2020 without a profound sense of ‘what could have been’. He praised the management and staff of the airport who, despite it all, came to work, worked tirelessly, and kept it going. Mr Mulhern says any regret they feel is tempered with great sadness for those who have lost their lives, lost loved ones and suffered from this virus physically and financially.
He says during the pandemic Kerry Airport was called upon on many occasions to enable prompt access to Dublin and elsewhere for essential travel including for those requiring specialised healthcare. John Mulhern says Kerry Airport is very proud it managed to remain open throughout the pandemic to support emergency services. The Kerry Airport AGM will be held virtually on August 30th.
