Waterford Airport has officially begun a major new chapter, with the sod turned today on a €30 million redevelopment project aimed at bringing commercial passenger flights back to the South East.

Public representatives, business leaders and stakeholders gathered at the airport this morning for the ceremony, which was led by Deputy Mayor of Waterford, Councillor John Pratt, alongside members of Waterford City and County Council.

Construction work is due to begin immediately and will include a significant extension and widening of the runway. The upgraded runway will measure more than 2.2 kilometres in length and 45 metres in width, allowing the airport to accommodate larger commercial jet aircraft.

Airport management says the development is expected to pave the way for the return of scheduled passenger services, with a target of handling more than 400 thousand passengers a year within three years of operations resuming.

Speaking at the ceremony, Waterford Airport CEO William Bolster described the project as a “hugely significant milestone” for the South East, saying it reflects years of ambition and campaigning for improved regional connectivity.

He said communities across Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny, Carlow and South Tipperary have long called for stronger transport infrastructure, adding that the project is now “moving from conversation to construction.”

Deputy Mayor John Pratt says the development will strengthen regional connectivity and support economic growth and investment across the South East.

Meanwhile, Waterford Chamber CEO Gerald Hurley says the upgraded airport will help drive tourism, foreign direct investment and offshore wind energy development, while also supporting aerospace education and training at South East Technological University.

Waterford Airport first received its operational licence in 1981, with Ryanair launching its inaugural Waterford to London Gatwick service in 1985. The airport handled more than 100 thousand passengers in 2008, with flights operating to destinations including Faro, Malaga and Bordeaux.

The airport is expected to resume commercial flights within the next 12 months, although an airline operator has yet to be officially announced.

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