WLR has learned that new planning applications have been submitted for further major development at Waterford Airport, including an extension to the existing terminal building and new hangar space.
The applications have been submitted this week by Waterford Airport CEO and owner William Bolster, as work continues on the wider €30 million redevelopment of the airport.
It is understood that the proposed development will include an extension to the airport’s existing terminal building, while a new hangar will also form part of the plans.
Further details of the applications are expected to become available through the planning process, as the official planning documents are yet to be published on the council’s e-planning portal, with an understanding they will be available to view as early as next week.
Major redevelopment already underway
The latest plans come just months after construction officially began on the major redevelopment of Waterford Airport.
The €30 million project is being funded through private investment and includes extending the existing runway to 2,287 metres and widening it to 45 metres, allowing it to accommodate larger commercial jet aircraft.
The sod was officially turned on the project in May, with Waterford City and County Council saying the development could pave the way for scheduled passenger services to return as early as summer 2027.
The redevelopment also includes wider infrastructure upgrades aimed at facilitating the return of commercial passenger flights.
It is not yet known which airlines could ultimately operate services from Waterford once the development is completed.
Ryanair stance on Waterford
Ryanair has a historic connection with Waterford Airport, with the airline operating its first scheduled flight from Waterford to London Gatwick in 1985.
In February 2025, Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary poured cold water on the prospect of the airline returning to Waterford, describing supporters seeking Government funding for a jet-capable runway as a “bunch of local lunatics”.
At the time, Mr O’Leary argued that Waterford was within the catchment areas of Cork and Dublin airports and said he believed the airport had “no commercial or economic future”, although he suggested Ryanair could consider one or two daily London flights if a jet runway was provided and the airport offered a sufficiently low-cost base.
However, his position appeared to soften significantly later that year.
Following approval of the €30 million redevelopment in October 2025, Mr O’Leary said it was “likely” Ryanair would operate a number of weekly services from Waterford once the airport upgrade was completed.
He said the airline would look at operating commercial flights from Waterford if the new jet-capable runway was delivered and the airport remained a sufficiently low-cost operation.
The airport’s wider redevelopment is targeting the return of scheduled passenger services, with the airport’s business plan aiming for more than 400,000 passengers annually within five years of services resuming.
