By Sean Moriarty

Just 82,959 people passed through Kerry Airport during the height of the pandemic.

The figures were released last week when airport management published its Annual Report & Accounts for the 12-month period ending December, 31, 2020.

The only flight to maintain constant operation throughout this period was the Kerry-Dublin service which was operated, at the time, by Stobart Air.

The report reflects the severe decline in passenger numbers from a high of 369,836 in 2019 down to 82,959 in 2020 as a result of global travel restrictions.

This equates to a 78% fall in passenger numbers and is reflected in the subsequent 60% reduction in total revenue.

The airport reported an operating loss, after taxation, of €144,996 as compared to an after taxation operating profit of €1,020,341 in the previous year.

The prolonged effects of COVID-19 resulted in a number of employees being laid off while unusual income streams included the entire Stobart Air fleet being parked at Kerry Airport during lockdown.

“Most commentators continue to predict that air travel will not return to near 2019 levels until at least 2023,” CEO John Mulhern said.
“It is difficult to reflect on 2020 without a profound sense of ‘what could have been’. Were it not for the total collapse of air travel resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic we would have undoubtedly continued our journey of growth. Sincerely, I must convey huge praise to the management and staff of Kerry Airport who, despite it all, came to work, worked tirelessly, and kept us going.”