Shannon passenger numbers drop by 14% last year

SHANNON’S passenger numbers dipped by 14% last year to just 1,394,781, most of the decline due to less use of the airport by the US military.
The last time passenger numbers dipped to such a level was in 1988.

 

The total decline last year was 230,672. A fall-off in US troop movements through Shannon accounts for 145,953 of the total amount; down from 247,761 in 2011 to 101,808.

While Shannon had 3.6 million passengers as recently as 2007, it has experienced an unrelenting and steep decline since, although there are hopes last year’s separation from the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) will see a return to growth.

A spokesperson for Shannon Airport acknowledged that last year hadn’t been easy but expressed some hope for the future. “While 2012 was a difficult year, the decline over recent years slowed considerably and we believe that 2013 will mark the turning point for the airport as recovery firmly takes hold.

“For example, transatlantic was down by 10% in 2012 but we are anticipating an increase of 22% alone in passenger numbers on transatlantic services in the summer season this year thanks to new routes coming on stream for Philadelphia, Chicago and the return of Aer Lingus early on New York and Boston and Delta’s return also on the New York route.

“Outside the US, we also have a new route announced for Faro, as well as a doubling of our services to Bodrum for the summer season.”
The spokesperson also said more European routes are on the horizon. “In time, after a really difficult four years for the airport, 2013 will be seen as the turning point. In addition to the gains we have already secured, the newly independent Shannon Airport will be marketed aggressively and competitively this year for a range of other sustainable routes that we have identified. We are confident we will be making further announcements as the year goes on regarding new services and strengthening of existing successful services.”

The report of the Government-appointed aviation business development taskforce on Shannon was published late last year and it found there is plenty of scope for growth in the coming years. “The business plan projects 2.3 million passengers within five years and 2.5m passengers by 2021. It is the view of the task force that these targets are entirely achievable, potentially even earlier than provided for in the business plan.”

Dublin Airport saw a 2% growth in passenger traffic during 2012, reaching 18.8m passengers. Cork saw a decline of 3% to 2.4m.

Speaking to The Clare Champion on Wednesday, Clare TD Pat Breen said that while the figures are disappointing, he is confident there will be an improvement in 2013 with more services to the airport and with people travelling via Shannon to attend events that form part of the Gathering.