Kerry Airport is gearing up for another year of growth in 2026, with passenger numbers in 2025 on course to exceed 430,000 for the first time.

The Spring/Summer schedule will be launched in January with increased frequency on routes to sun destinations in Spain and Portugal with Ryanair.

The Chief Financial Officer at Kerry Airport, Basil Sheerin, said the airport’s continued growth has been driven by the professionalism of their staff, with strong performances across fuel sales, retail and car-parking.

He noted the full benefits of the new Arrivals Hall and extended Departures Area will be seen in 2026.

According to Mr Sheerin, the main challenges in 2026 will continue to be attracting new airlines and routes.

He said: “A lack of aircraft availability is still a problem for airlines, and the expansion of fleets is considerably behind forecasts. Administrative expenses remain a challenge, with increased costs in wages, local authority rates, energy, and maintenance exerting pressure on our gross profit margin.”

He added that Kerry Airport continues to monitor these areas rigorously to ensure optimal value for money.

Kerry Airport today contributes more than €18 million annually to the local economy and supports over 135 direct jobs, including countless others in tourism, transport, and service industries that depend upon their success.

Between now to the end of March 2026, Kerry Airport will handle 59 flights per week from Dublin, London Stansted, London Luton, Manchester and Frankfurt Hahn.

Killarney transport firm O’Callaghan Coaches honoured long-serving staff member Kevin O’Sullivan at their annual Christmas party held at the Fáilte Hotel last week.

O’Sullivan was officially inducted into the O’Callaghan Coaches Hall of Fame, joining company founders James and Lena O’Callaghan, as well as Denis Lynch and Mike Moynihan, in recognition of his service.

Kevin O’Sullivan joined the business over 30 years ago. His early career involved driving taxis around Killarney town at night, while operating school buses and private hire coaches during the day.

“Kevin began his journey with us over 30 years ago, working at the very foundations of the modern company we know today,” said Philip O’Callaghan. “It was this level of commitment and work ethic in those early years that helped shape the company’s growth and success.”

The evening also saw Michael O’Keeffe named ‘Person of the Year’.

The award is decided by a vote among company employees, and O’Keeffe is the second person to receive the title.

The event capped off a significant year for the Killarney-based operator.

O’Callaghan Coaches was recently named Ireland’s Best Small Workplace for 2025 and received Fáilte Ireland’s Outstanding Employer Award for both 2024 and 2025.