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{{Short description|Airport
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox airport
| nativename =
| nativename-a =
| nativename-r =
| name = Ireland West Airport
| image = Ireland West Airport Logo.png
| image-width = 250
| image2 = Knock_Airport_control_tower_and_arrivals_(2068c).jpg
| image2-width = 250
| IATA = NOC
| ICAO = EIKN
| ___location = [[Charlestown, County Mayo]]
| elevation-m = 203
| coordinates = {{Coord|53|54|37|N|008|49|07|W|type:airport_region:IE-MO|display=inline,title|name=Horan International Airport}}
| r1-length-f = 7,700
| r1-surface = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]
| metric-rwy = Yes
| pushpin_map = Ireland
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of airport in Ireland
| pushpin_label = NOC
| pushpin_label_position = right
| type = Public
| owner-oper = Connacht Airport Development Company Ltd
| city-served = [[Connacht]], Ireland
| elevation-f = 665
| website = [http://www.irelandwestairport.com irelandwestairport.com]
| r1-number = 08/26
| r1-length-m = 2,340
| stat-year = 2024
| stat1-header = Passengers
| stat1-data = 834,000<ref name="pressrelease2024">{{cite web |url=https://www.irelandwestairport.com/news/ireland-west-airport-enjoys-busiest-ever-year-in-2024 |website=irelandwestairport.com |title=Ireland West Airport enjoys busiest ever year in 2024 |date=3 January 2025}}</ref>
| stat2-header = Passenger change 2023-24
| stat2-data = {{increase}}2%<ref name="pressrelease2024"/>
| stat3-header = Aircraft movements
| stat3-data = 6,330
| stat4-header = Movements change 2018-19
| stat4-data = {{increase}}1.5%
| footnotes = Source: Irish [[Aeronautical Information Service|AIS]]<ref name="AIP">{{AIP IE|EIKN|e2620307-a008-41c1-992f-edd986072166|ireland-west|name=IRELAND WEST}}</ref>
}}
'''Ireland West Airport''' {{Airport codes|NOC|EIKN}}, officially known as '''Ireland West Airport Knock''', and formerly known as '''Horan International Airport,''' commonly known as '''Knock Airport''', is an [[international airport]] {{convert|5.6|km|mi|1|abbr=on}} south-west of [[Charlestown, County Mayo|Charlestown]], [[County Mayo, Ireland|County Mayo]], Ireland. The village of [[Knock, County Mayo|Knock]] is {{convert|20|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} away. 818,000 passengers used the airport in 2023,<ref name=IrishCentral>{{cite web |url=https://www.irishcentral.com/business/ireland-west-airport-busiest-year |title=Ireland West Airport reports busiest year on record |date=2024-01-06 |website=Irish Central |access-date=2024-01-10 |archive-date=2024-01-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107202038/https://www.irishcentral.com/business/ireland-west-airport-busiest-year |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=IrExam>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-41302639.html |first1=Ronan |last1=Smyth |title=Ireland West Airport sets record year in 2023 |date=2024-01-05 |work=Irish Examiner |access-date=2024-01-10 |archive-date=2024-01-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106042509/https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-41302639.html |url-status=live}}</ref> making it the fourth-busiest in Ireland (after [[Dublin Airport|Dublin]], [[Cork Airport|Cork]] and [[Shannon Airport|Shannon]]).
==
===Foundation and early years===
The airport opened on 25 October 1985 with three [[Aer Lingus]] charter flights to Rome: the official opening was on 30 May 1986.<ref name="History"/> The idea behind the construction of Knock Airport was through{{clarify|date=March 2025}} Mr Sher Rafique, a multi-millionaire during the 1980s. The site, on a hill in boggy terrain, was thought by many to be unrealistic, but the airport was built following a long and controversial campaign by [[James Horan (monsignor)|Monsignor James Horan]],<ref name="History">{{cite web |url=http://www.irelandwestairport.com/utility/history.aspx |title=History of Ireland West Airport Knock |publisher=Ireland West Airport Knock |access-date=16 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427155543/http://www.irelandwestairport.com/utility/history.aspx |archive-date=27 April 2009}}</ref> the story of which has even inspired a musical.<ref name="Musical">{{cite web |url=http://wingandprayermusical.com/ |title=The Remarkable Life Story of Monsignor James Horan |access-date=19 December 2012 |archive-date=18 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718125510/http://wingandprayermusical.com/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The primary motivation for building it was to attract pilgrims to [[Knock Shrine]]. Despite criticisms that the site was too boggy and too foggy, Horan delivered an airport within five years, primarily financed by a Government grant of [[Irish pound|£]]9.8 million.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1985-02-14/5 |title=Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Knock Airport. – Dáil Éireann (24th Dáil) – Thursday, 14 Feb 1985 – Houses of the Oireachtas |publisher=Houses of the Oireachtas |date=14 February 1985 |website=oireachtas.ie |access-date=20 April 2020 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605202721/https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1985-02-14/5/ |url-status=live}}</ref> He died shortly after the opening of the airport, and his funeral was held at the then-named Horan International Airport.
In recent times, Horan has been celebrated with a bronze statue erected at the airport.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/mayo-tribute-msgr-james-horan-remembered-1.1383533 |access-date=20 February 2020 |title=Mayo tribute: Msgr James Horan remembered |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |archive-date=23 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223091239/https://www.irishtimes.com/mayo-tribute-msgr-james-horan-remembered-1.1383533 |url-status=live}}</ref>
By 1988, over 100,000 passengers had passed through. Aer Lingus commenced flights from the airport to [[Birmingham Airport|Birmingham]] in 1995.<ref name="History"/>
===Development since the 2000s===
Since 2003, flag-carrier, low-cost and regional airlines including [[Aer Lingus]], [[MyTravel Airways|MyTravelLite]], [[Bmibaby]], [[Ryanair]], [[Aer Arann]], [[Flybe (1979–2020)|flybe]], [[Lufthansa]] and [[EasyJet]] have added routes to Great Britain and [[mainland Europe]]. Not all have proven successful, but by 2005 the airport was handling 500,000 passengers per annum.<ref name="History"/>
It was voted Ireland's best [[regional airport]] in 2006 and 2009 by the [[Chamber of commerce|Chambers of Commerce]] of Ireland.<ref name="History"/> 2007 was a notable year, with scheduled [[transatlantic flight|transatlantic]] services to [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|New York]] and [[Logan International Airport|Boston]] commencing in May, operated by the now-defunct [[Flyglobespan]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irelandwestairport.com/news.asp?id=193&dbtype=news |title=New scheduled flights to New York & Boston commence! |publisher=IrelandWestAirport.com |date=31 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071205204006/http://irelandwestairport.com/news.asp?id=193&dbtype=news |archive-date=5 December 2007}}</ref>
A record 629,000 passengers used the airport in 2008, a 13% rise compared to the previous year.<ref name="History"/> The installation of the Category II Instrument Landing System in April 2009 has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of flight diversions to other airports due to poor visibility – the airport is 200 metres above sea level.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irelandwestairport.com/utility/news_details.aspx?id=176 |title=Investment of €3.6 million undertaken to complete two major projects |publisher=Irelandwestairport.com |date=2009-08-19 |access-date=2014-02-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018020143/http://www.irelandwestairport.com/utility/news_details.aspx?id=176 |archive-date=18 October 2013}}</ref> August 2009 was the busiest month for three years, with 81,000 passengers: 28 August was the busiest day in the airport's history, with over 4,500 passengers.
In 2011, the month of August was the busiest in the airport's history with 84,052 passengers. 2011 was the most successful year to date with 654,553 passengers. The year saw the commencement of routes to [[Lanzarote]], [[Tenerife]] and [[Gran Canaria]] operated by Ryanair and to [[Edinburgh]] operated by flybe.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irelandwestairport.com/utility/news_details.aspx?id=177 |title=Ireland West Airport Knock – Over 81,000 passengers use the Airport in August |publisher=Irelandwestairport.com |access-date=2014-02-16 |archive-date=13 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713060210/http://www.irelandwestairport.com/utility/news_details.aspx?id=177 |url-status=dead}}</ref> During September 2011 Ryanair celebrated its four-millionth passenger through the airport, while [[Lufthansa]] announced it would be commencing weekly flights to Düsseldorf in May 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://travelbiz.ie/newsstory/Ryanair_celebrates_4_million_passengers_from_Knock |title=Ryanair celebrates 4 million passengers on Knock flights |date=September 2011 |access-date=16 February 2014 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222142546/http://travelbiz.ie/newsstory/Ryanair_celebrates_4_million_passengers_from_Knock |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="rte">{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0914/knock-business.html |publisher=RTÉ News |title=Lufthansa to start Knock Airport service |date=14 September 2011 |access-date=14 September 2011 |archive-date=3 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103182809/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0914/knock-business.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2011, Ryanair announced flights to [[Beauvais]]-[[Tillé]], [[Frankfurt–Hahn Airport|Frankfurt-Hahn]], [[Bergamo]]-[[Orio al Serio]] and [[Girona]]-[[Costa Brava]] from March 2012. In January 2012 the 20th scheduled route was announced—flybe to [[Leeds]], its third from the airport, from March 2012. Budget carrier BmiBaby announced in May 2012 that it was to axe its only route to Birmingham from 10 June, owing to the airline's takeover by IAG.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irelandwestairport.com/utility/news_details.aspx?id=279 |title=Ryanair announces major European expansion from Ireland West Airport Knock |publisher=Irelandwestairport.com |access-date=2014-02-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018013422/http://www.irelandwestairport.com/utility/news_details.aspx?id=279 |archive-date=18 October 2013}}</ref> Flights to Beauvais-Tillé and Frankfurt-Hahn have since ended.
In 2013, Ryanair launched a weekly summer route to Málaga on Thursdays. Aer Lingus Regional, which took over the Birmingham route operating a daily service using ATR 72s ended service on 26 October. Flybe began four-times-weekly flights on the route on 27 October. On 31 October 2013, in response to the scrapping of the Irish travel tax, Ryanair unveiled three new routes from Knock to Glasgow-Prestwick, Kaunas and Eindhoven. However, these routes had all been withdrawn by the fourth quarter of 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ryanair.com/ie/en/cheap-flight-destinations |title=Ryanair route map | Our European destinations |website=ryanair.com |access-date=16 October 2020 |archive-date=17 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017031505/https://www.ryanair.com/ie/en/cheap-flight-destinations |url-status=live}}</ref>
It was announced in November 2017 that €15 million would be invested in improving and upgrading the airport in 2018 and 2019, to coincide with strong passenger growth.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irelandwestairport.com/utility/news_details.aspx?id=418 |title=Ireland West Airport embarks on €15m investment phase of terminal enhancements and Runway upgrade works |publisher=Ireland West Airport Knock |date=20 November 2017 |access-date=21 November 2017 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041603/http://www.irelandwestairport.com/utility/news_details.aspx?id=418 |url-status=live}}</ref> These plans include upgrading of car parks, passenger facilities, the terminal and resurfacing of the runway.
==Government assistance==
The building of the airport was primarily financed by Government grants totaling IR£9.858 million.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1988-02-02 |title=Dáil Éireann debate - Tuesday, 2 Feb 1988 |publisher=Houses of the Oireachtas |date=2 February 1988 |website=oireachtas.ie |access-date=16 October 2020 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605202600/https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1988-02-02/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The completion of the airport was funded by a IR£1.3 million grant from the [[European Union]], payable on condition that the airport developers provided an equal sum from their own resources.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1988-06-30 |title=Dáil Éireann debate - Thursday, 30 Jun 1988 |publisher=Houses of the Oireachtas |date=30 June 1988 |website=oireachtas.ie |access-date=16 October 2020 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605202442/https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1988-06-30/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
On 21 February 2007, the [[Government of Ireland]] announced that it was making a €27 million capital grant. The airport stated that it would continue the implementation of its €46 million infrastructural investment programme with over €20 million of spend anticipated for 2008.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/immigration-unit-to-open-at-knock-1.821180 |access-date=20 February 2020 |title=Immigration unit to open at Knock |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |archive-date=23 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223091238/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/immigration-unit-to-open-at-knock-1.821180 |url-status=live}}</ref> Work commenced on a number of significant civil and building projects in this year. A €5.5 million extension to the [[airport terminal|terminal]] building was completed in April 2009. The implementation of [[Instrument landing system|Category II Instrument Landing System]] (CAT II ILS) on runway 27, to enhance reliability in low visibility, has been completed and approved. An extension to the Runway End Safety Areas (RESAs) and runway turnpad was completed in March 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/westirelandknock/ |access-date=20 February 2020 |title=Ireland West Airport Knock |archive-date=20 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220231727/https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/westirelandknock/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
Departing passengers aged 12 years and over pay a "Development Fee" of €10. The fee is a critical contribution to the ongoing sustainability of the airport and provides a vital funding source to support the ongoing development works of the airport.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://irelandwestairport.com/development_fee |access-date=20 February 2020 |title=Development Fee |archive-date=13 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513010836/https://irelandwestairport.com/development_fee |url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2005, the airport changed its name to Ireland West Airport Knock.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=http://www.mayonews.ie/news/31274-knock-airport-defends-new-brand-identity |title=Knock airport defends new 'brand identity' |last1=Galvin |first1=Clara |website=mayonews.ie |language=en-gb |access-date=2018-05-03 |archive-date=4 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504090108/http://www.mayonews.ie/news/31274-knock-airport-defends-new-brand-identity |url-status=dead}}</ref> As of August 2009, the [[Aeronautical Information Publication]], including the [[aeronautical chart]]s available at [[European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation]], showed it as Ireland West.<ref name="AIP"/>
==Corporate affairs==
The airport is owned and operated by Connaught Airport Development Company Ltd – a private company 82.5% owned by The Horan Airport Trust. The remaining 17.5% is owned by seven local authorities – Donegal County Council, Galway County Council, Galway City Council, Leitrim County Council, Mayo County Council, Roscommon County Council and Sligo County Council.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.irelandwestairport.com/about_us |title=Ireland West Airport}}</ref>
==Airlines and destinations==
<!-- Please use independent sources. The airport and the airline itself are not independent sources. -->
The following airlines operate scheduled and charter flights to and from Ireland West Airport:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://irelandwestairport.com/flight_information/book-flight |title=Destinations |publisher=Ireland West Airport Knock |access-date=9 September 2020 |archive-date=16 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816011024/https://irelandwestairport.com/flight_information/book-flight |url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Airport-dest-list
<!-- -->
|{{nowrap|[[Aer Lingus]]}} | [[Heathrow Airport|London–Heathrow]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.tourismireland.com/news-and-press-releases/press-releases/article/tourism-ireland-welcomes-new-aer-lingus-flight-from-london-heathrow-to-ireland-west-airport-knock |title=Tourism Ireland welcomes new Aer Lingus flight from London Heathrow to Ireland West Airport Knock |website=tourismireland.com |date=31 January 2024}}</ref>
<!-- -->
|{{nowrap|[[Emerald Airlines]]}} | '''Seasonal charter:''' [[Groningen Airport Eelde|Groningen]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.tourismireland.com/news-and-press-releases/press-releases/article/tourism-ireland-welcomes-inaugural-bbi-travel-charter-flight-from-the-netherlands-to-ireland-west-airport-knock |title=Tourism Ireland welcomes inaugural BBI Travel charter flight from the Netherlands to Ireland West Airport Knock |website=Tourism Ireland |date=9 June 2025}}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[Ryanair]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ryanair.com/us/en/plan-trip/destinations/flights-to-ireland-west |title=Flights to Ireland West |date=2 August 2024}}</ref> | [[Birmingham Airport|Birmingham]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2023_519_519">{{Cite journal |author=<!-- not stated --> |journal=OAG Flight Guide Worldwide |title=Kerry, Ireland Republic Of |date=August 2023 |volume=25 |issue=2 |publisher=[[OAG (company)|OAG Aviation Worldwide Limited]] |publication-place=Luton, United Kingdom |issn=1466-8718 |language=en |pages=519}}</ref> [[East Midlands Airport|East Midlands]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2023_519_519"/> [[Edinburgh Airport|Edinburgh]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2023_519_519"/> [[Lanzarote Airport|Lanzarote]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230330-frns23 |title=Ryanair NS23 Network Additions Summary – 26MAR23 |website=Aeroroutes}}</ref> [[Liverpool John Lennon Airport|Liverpool]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2023_519_519"/> [[Luton Airport|London–Luton]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2023_519_519"/> [[London Stansted Airport|London–Stansted]],<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/220502-frns22stn320 |title=Ryanair NS22 London Stansted A320 Network Update - 01MAY22 |website=Aeroroutes.com |date=2 May 2022 |accessdate=31 March 2025 |language=en}}</ref> [[Málaga Airport|Málaga]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2023_519_519"/> [[Manchester Airport|Manchester]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2023_519_519"/> [[Tenerife South Airport|Tenerife–South]]<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230918-frnw23 |title=Ryanair NW23 Network Changes – 17SEP23}}</ref> <br /> '''Seasonal:''' [[Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport|Alicante]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2023_519_519"/> [[Orio al Serio International Airport|Bergamo]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2023_519_519"/> [[Bristol Airport|Bristol]],<ref name="auto"/> [[Cologne Bonn Airport|Cologne/Bonn]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2023_519_519"/> [[Gago Coutinho Airport|Faro]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2023_519_519"/> [[Girona–Costa Brava Airport|Girona]],<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2023_519_519"/> [[Palma de Mallorca Airport|Palma de Mallorca]]<ref name="OAG_World_Aug2023_519_519"/>
<!-- -->
}}
==Statistics==
[[File:Cnock airport 2013.png|thumb|Apron view]]
[[File:Knock Airport.jpg|thumb|Aerial view]]
===
<!--{{Airport-Statistics|iata=NOC}}-->
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:right;"
! Year
! Passenger<br>numbers
! % change<br>(year on<br>year)
|-
| 1998 || 186,689||
|-
| 1999 || 197,358|| {{increase}} 5.7
|-
| 2000 || 173,421|| {{decrease}} 12.1
|-
| 2001 || 203,000|| {{increase}} 17.1
|-
| 2002 || 199,000|| {{decrease}} 2.0
|-
| 2003 || 247,000|| {{increase}} 24.1
|-
| 2004 || 373,000|| {{increase}} 51.0
|-
| 2005 || 530,084|| {{increase}} 42.1
|-
| 2006 || 621,171|| {{increase}} 17.2
|-
| 2007 || 556,357|| {{decrease}} 10.4
|-
| 2008 || 629,000|| {{increase}} 13.1
|-
| 2009 || 607,228|| {{decrease}} 3.5
|-
| 2010 || 589,180|| {{decrease}} 3.0
|-
| 2011 || 654,553|| {{increase}} 11.1
|-
| 2012 || 677,368|| {{increase}} 3.5
|-
| 2013 || 665,558|| {{decrease}} 1.7
|-
| 2014 || 703,318|| {{increase}} 5.7
|-
| 2015 || 684,671|| {{decrease}} 2.7
|-
| 2016 || 734,031|| {{increase}} 7.2
|-
| 2017 || 749,499|| {{increase}} 2.1
|-
| 2018 || 771,619|| {{increase}} 3.0
|-
| 2019 || 805,443|| {{increase}} 4.4
|-
| 2020 || 142,532<ref name="fii">[https://flyinginireland.com/2022/01/another-poor-year-for-passenger-numbers-at-ireland-west-airport/ Another Poor Year for Passenger Numbers at Ireland West Airport]
Flying in Ireland Magazine, 2022-01-06.</ref>|| {{decrease}} 82.3
|-
| 2021 || 174,027<ref name="fii" />|| {{increase}} 22.1
|-
| 2022 || 722,000<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.leitrimobserver.ie/news/home/1002431/ireland-west-airport-reports-strong-performance-in-2022-as-722k-passengers-use-the-airport.html |title=Ireland West Airport reports strong performance in 2022 as 722k passengers use the airport |website=Leitrim Observer |date=4 January 2023 |accessdate=16 April 2023}}</ref>|| {{increase}} 314.9
|-
| 2023 || 818,000<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2024/0105/1424909-record-year-at-ireland-west-airport |title=Ireland West Airport reports record passenger numbers |publisher=[[RTÉ]] |date=5 January 2024}}</ref>|| {{increase}} 13.3
|-
| 2024 || 834,000|| {{increase}} 2.0
|}
===Busiest routes===
{{table alignment}}
{|class="wikitable sortable col4right"
|+10 busiest international routes at Ireland West Airport (2024)
|-
! Rank|| Airport || Passengers<br />handled
|'''% change'''
'''2023/24'''
|-
|1|| [[London Stansted Airport|London–Stansted]]|| 145,249
||{{decrease}} 6.4{{0}}
|-
|2|| [[Luton Airport|London–Luton]]|| 140,615
|{{increase}} 7.8{{0}}
|-
|3|| [[Liverpool John Lennon Airport|Liverpool]] || 113,055
|{{increase}} 12.0{{0}}
|-
|4|| [[Heathrow Airport|London-Heathrow]]|| 90,202
|{{increase}} 36.9{{0}}
|-
|5|| [[East Midlands Airport|East Midlands]]|| 42,142
|{{decrease}} 2.7{{0}}
|-
|6|| [[Manchester Airport|Manchester]]|| 37,492
|{{decrease}} 1.7{{0}}
|-
|7|| [[Birmingham Airport|Birmingham]]|| 35,279
|{{decrease}} 9.3{{0}}
|-
|8|| [[Edinburgh Airport|Edinburgh]]|| 35,146
|{{decrease}} 19.0{{0}}
|-
|9|| [[Faro Airport|Faro]]|| 28,597
|{{decrease}} 4.9{{0}}
|-
|10|| [[Bristol Airport|Bristol]]|| 24,367
|{{decrease}} 29.6{{0}}
|- class="sortbottom"
| colspan="4" style="text-align:right;" | <sup>''Source: [[Central Statistics Office (Ireland)|Central Statistics Office]]''<ref>{{cite web |date=30 May 2025 |title=Aviation Statistics Quarter 4 and Year 2024 |url=https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-as/aviationstatisticsquarter4andyear2024/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327183814/https://www.cso.ie/px/pxeirestat/Statire/SelectVarVal/Define.asp?maintable=ctm01 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |access-date=30 March 2019 |website=CSO |publisher=Central Statistics Office}}</ref></sup>
|}
{{See also|List of the busiest airports in the Republic of Ireland}}
==Ground
===Road===
The airport is near the [[N17 road (Ireland)|N17 road]], about halfway between [[Galway]] and [[Sligo]]. It is also close to the [[N5 road (Ireland)|N5]] [[Westport, County Mayo|Westport]] to [[Longford]] road. Over 1,500 short-term and long-term parking spaces are available at the airport.
The nearest large towns, [[Castlebar]] and [[Ballina, County Mayo|Ballina]], are both {{convert|38|km|mi}} distant, while [[Sligo]] is {{convert|54|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the airport. [[Galway]] is {{convert|89|km|mi|abbr=on}} away and [[Dublin]] is {{convert|220|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the airport.
==
[[Bus Éireann]] airport services:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.buseireann.ie/inner.php?id=248 |title=Ireland West – Knock |publisher=[[Bus Éireann]] |access-date=21 July 2019 |archive-date=6 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306111215/http://www.buseireann.ie/inner.php?id=248 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* Route 64: [[Galway]] – [[Derry]]
* Route 440: [[Athlone]] – [[Westport, County Mayo|Westport]]
===Train===
The nearest railway stations, accessible by taxi and bus are:
* [[Ballyhaunis railway station|Ballyhaunis]] – {{convert|22|km|mi|2|abbr=on}}
* [[Foxford railway station|Foxford]] – {{convert|27|km|mi|2|abbr=on}}
* [[Claremorris railway station|Claremorris]] – {{convert|31|km|mi|2|abbr=on}}
* [[Ballymote railway station|Ballymote]] – {{convert|33|km|mi|2|abbr=on}}
The proposed reopening of the [[Western Rail Corridor]] from [[Claremorris]] to [[Sligo]] would provide closer railway access to the airport.
===Taxi===
Ireland West Airport is serviced by specially licensed Hackneys and must be pre booked by the laws set down by the [[National Transport Authority (Ireland)|National Transport Authority]] in Ireland.<ref name=Transport>{{cite web |url=http://irelandwestairport.com/direction_and_transport/airport-cabs |title=Directions & Transport |publisher=Ireland West Airport Knock |access-date=30 January 2018 |archive-date=31 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131200700/http://irelandwestairport.com/direction_and_transport/airport-cabs |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Car hire===
A number of international car rental companies offer rental facilities at Ireland West Airport including Budget, Avis, Europcar and Hertz.<ref name=Transport/>
==Incidents and accidents==
On 20 December 2005, a cargo aircraft bound for Knock was forced to divert to Sligo due to adverse weather conditions. On landing in Sligo, the aircraft veered to the left and ran onto the grass area. The pilot managed to steer the aircraft back onto the runway. The left main wheel of the aircraft was damaged in the incident.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aaiu.ie/node/185 |title=Incident: Beech Queen-Air 70, N70AA, Sligo Airport, 20 Dec 2005: Report No 2006-009 |work=AAIU |access-date=12 February 2022 |url-status=}}</ref>
On 23 March 2006, a passenger aircraft approaching Knock was advised that the runway upon which it had planned to land was unavailable. The aircraft attempted to land at the other runway, but the aircraft was incorrectly configured for that runway, and the approach was aborted at an altitude of approximately 400 feet. The aircraft was required to circle around before landing.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aaiu.ie/node/209 |title=Accident: Beech 65-A90 King Air, N712DB, Ireland West Airport Knock, 22 August 2006: Report No 2007-010 |work=AAIU |access-date=12 February 2022 |url-status=}}</ref>
On 22 August 2006, an aircraft that was practicing flying instrument approaches rolled more than 90° to the right. The pilot attempted to recover by rolling the aircraft the full 360°. The aircraft fell quickly towards the ground, but ultimately landed safely.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aaiu.ie/node/209 |title=Accident: Beech 65-A90 King Air, N712DB, Ireland West Airport Knock, 22 August 2006: Report No 2007-010 |work=AAIU |access-date=12 February 2022 |url-status=}}</ref>
On 11 May 2008, a light aircraft experienced engine problems shortly after take-off from Knock and attempted to return. The engine failed and a forced landing was attempted. The aircraft landed at a steep angle, and the pilot was killed and the passenger was seriously injured.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aaiu.ie/node/263 |title=Accident: Beechcraft 77 Skipper, EI-BHT, Kilmovee Co. Mayo, Ireland, 11 May 2008: Report No: 2011-003 |work=AAIU |access-date=12 February 2022 |url-status=}}</ref>
On 28 May 2009, Air Traffic Control gave a light aircraft permission to land while a passenger aircraft was holding on the same runway. The light aircraft flew over the stationary passenger aircraft prior to landing.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aaiu.ie/node/282 |title=Incident: Cessna 172S, EI-NFW, Ireland West Airport, Knock, Co. Mayo, 28 May 2009: Report No 2009-017 |work=AAIU |access-date=12 February 2022 |url-status=}}</ref>
On 22 April 2013, two aircraft were allowed to come within 0.42 nautical miles of one another.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aaiu.ie/node/640 |title=Serious Incident: Diamond Twin Star DA42 MNG, G-COBS & Piper PA31-350, G-FCSL 5NM east of Ireland West Airport Knock, Co. Mayo 22 April 2013: Report 2014-005 |work=AAIU |access-date=12 February 2022 |url-status=}}</ref>
==In popular culture==
* The construction of the airport is the subject of "Knock Song" by Irish folk singer-songwriter [[Christy Moore]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.irish-folk-songs.com/the-knock-song-lyrics-and-guitar-chords.html |access-date=20 February 2020 |title=The Knock Song lyrics and guitar chords |archive-date=20 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220233113/https://www.irish-folk-songs.com/the-knock-song-lyrics-and-guitar-chords.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
* The construction of the airport is the subject of a documentary entitled "On a Wing and a Prayer".<ref>RTÉ (1986) 'On a Wing and a Prayer: The Story of Knock Airport'</ref>
* The musical "On a Wing and a Prayer" deals with the life and times of [[Monsignor]] Horan, focusing on his struggle to get the airport built. It premièred in The Royal Theatre, [[Castlebar]], on 25 November 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wingandprayermusical.com/ |access-date=20 February 2020 |title=KateRussell.co.uk |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605202710/http://wingandprayermusical.com/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
* The airport was used in the film ''[[Wild Mountain Thyme (film)|Wild Mountain Thyme]]'' in October 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://westernpeople.ie/2019/10/04/jamie-has-landed-in-crossmolina/ |access-date=20 February 2020 |title='On A Wing and a Prayer' – The Musical' |date=4 October 2019 |archive-date=18 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218085845/https://westernpeople.ie/2019/10/04/jamie-has-landed-in-crossmolina/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
* The airport was used in the film ''[[Irish Wish]]'' (2022).
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.
* {{NWS-current|EIKN}}
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[[Category:Airports in the Republic of Ireland]]
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