• Flights booked prior to May 5th - €5 per passenger, charged at check in
• Flights booked on or after May 5th - €7 per passenger, included in ticket price

Background

Waterford Airport introduced a facilities charge in mid 2004 of €5 to help fund investment in airport infrastructure. It makes an important contribution to the costs associated with the maintenance and development of the airport. 

Most airports have a similar charge which is either included as part of the ticket cost or charged directly by the airport at check in. Waterford Airport have always made this charge at check in, but from the 5th May 2008, the charge will be included as part of the ticket price. All passengers who book flights from the 5th May onwards will no longer have to pay the facilities charge at the airport, it will be included in the ticket price. However, all passengers who made their booking before May 5th 2008 will be asked for the charge of €5 per passenger.

Over the last number of years, Waterford Airport has been going through a significant period of growth, with increasing routes and greater passenger numbers. While this growth is hugely positive for the airport and the southeast region, it continues to place a lot of pressure on the infrastructure and facilities at the airport.  As a result of this and to facilitate future growth, the airport continually needs to be upgraded in order to provide safe and modern services and infrastructure to meet the needs of both passengers and the aircraft that fly them.

In 2004, the charge brought in revenue of €76,500, growing to €139,000 in 2005 and €160,000 in 2006. Recent projects include air navigational aids, an extension to the car park, a CCTV installation, two state-of-the-art fire fighting appliances costing €600,000 each and a significant expansion of apron space and ground handling, together with a number of improvements in the terminal building.

Waterford Airport is currently at the early stages of a substantial development programme amounting to €27.7 million, with €22.3 million of this funding recently allocated by the Minister for Transport on the basis of the airport providing the additional €5.4 million. The projects under this programme will transform Waterford Airport with improved facilities and a much enhanced experience for passengers. While many essential projects receive substantial Government funding, the airport is required to fund at least 10% and more often up to 25% of each project.

Plans over the next few years include an extension of the terminal building to provide enhanced arrivals, departures, security and catering services. In addition, we will be improving aircraft services such as a longer runway as well as safety and security systems for safe landing, take off and efficient management of aircraft. While Government grant aid covers a significant proportion of this investment – the remainder must be met by the airport company.