New Ireland West Airport Knock flight route would be a 'great addition'

The recent visit to Mayo by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney should serve as a catalyst to open discussions on developing a transatlantic route between Ireland West Airport and Canada, according to local councillors.

On his ancestral visit to Mayo last month, Mr Carney flew into Ireland West, after arriving in Ireland via Dublin Airport.

Speaking at last week's meeting of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District, Cllr Damien Ryan said that seeing the Canadian Prime Minister able to take a direct flight “into his own home county” is something to aspire to. He said the airport’s goal should now be securing that transatlantic connection.

“The opportunity was never greater to get a direct flight between Canada and Ireland West,” he said. “The conversations need to begin in earnest. From that, other opportunities will open up to the West,” he added.

Cllr Neil Cruise agreed, saying Mayo Co Council would offer support in whatever way it could to build that connection. He said that in the past, travel options were largely limited to England and, occasionally, the United States, but that younger generations are now increasingly travelling and working in countries such as Canada and Australia.

“If a transatlantic [flight] to Toronto or Calgary or wherever could be opened up, that would be a great addition to our local airport,” he said.

Ireland West Airport continues to go from strength to strength, with 2025 marking a record-breaking year for the airport. It achieved its highest ever passenger numbers over the course of a year, a month, and a single day.

The airport was also the fastest-growing in Ireland last year, welcoming just under one million passengers, a 13.5% increase on the previous year.

In total, more than 6,000 flights arrived and departed through Knock in 2025. Passengers can now fly from Knock to 22 destinations across Europe and the UK, including Rome, Alicante, Faro, and Cologne.