New plans have revealed what a major expansion of Waterford Airport could look like as part of efforts to bring scheduled passenger flights back to the South East.
Two separate planning applications have been submitted to Waterford City and County Council in recent days covering a significant extension of the existing passenger terminal and the construction of eight new aircraft hangars.
The first application proposes a two-storey, 3,672 square metre extension to the sides and rear of the existing terminal building.
The expanded terminal would include new arrivals and departures facilities, a duty-free store, coffee shop and food and beverage unit, along with offices, an exhibition area and fixed-base operator facilities.
Plans also include a 416 square metre extension to the Airport Fire Station, providing an additional fire engine bay as well as new locker and staff facilities.
Other works proposed include new security fencing, car parking with entrance and exit barriers, a car rental office, cycle shelters, signage, landscaping and an ESB substation.
Eight new hangars proposed
A separate application has also been submitted for a major expansion of hangar facilities at the airport.
It proposes eight hangar units with a combined floor area of 16,553 square metres, incorporating ancillary office facilities.
The development would also include an aircraft parking apron connecting the hangars to the airside area, along with car parking, set-down areas, security fencing, bicycle parking and two ESB substations.
An existing hangar on the site would be demolished to facilitate the development.
Natura Impact Statements have been submitted with both planning applications.
The applications represent another significant step in the planned transformation of Waterford Airport, following the commencement of work earlier this year on the wider redevelopment of the facility.
Around €30 million is being invested in the project through private funding, with major works including the extension of the airport’s runway to 2,287 metres and its widening to 45 metres.
The longer and wider runway is intended to allow larger commercial jet aircraft to operate from Waterford.
Construction was formally launched in May, with Waterford City and County Council previously indicating that the redevelopment could enable scheduled passenger flights to return to Waterford Airport as early as summer 2027.
