What will happen to Waterford Airport's terminal and runway?

A major runway extension and infrastructure upgrades at Waterford Airport are due to commence following the recent approval of a landmark €30 million investment.

The works will enable the return of commercial passenger services to the airport.

The airport is shovel ready and construction works are due to commence in the first quarter of 2026.

General Manager of Waterford Airport, Aidan Power, explained this week the exact nature of the construction works and how long they will take to complete.

The airport's runway is currently 1,400 metres by 30 metres, and so it will have to be extended on both ends and widened on both sides to achieve the necessary dimensions for the desired aircraft.

It is anticipated that the airport will facilitate Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 type planes, which are used for short to medium haul flights. Ryanair for example uses Boeing 737 aircraft almost exclusively.

The airport’s taxiways, which are the long paths that aircraft travel along to get to or return from the runway, will have to reformed, widened and restructured, as will the airport’s aprons, which is the area of the airport where aircraft are parked, loaded, unloaded and maintained.

The airfield lighting will also have to be restructured and upgraded as will aviation security. 

"The terminal building will likely get minor upgrades," Mr. Power said.

“Every time I mention the building I’m getting a slightly glazed overlook,” he added.

“As we move from the runway in towards the building, the money will be used up quite quickly, and so I suspect the building as it sits today will get some small extensions and a facelift perhaps and maybe be revisited at a later date.” 

Following the completion of construction works, the airport will need to be recertified by the Irish Aviation Authority to ensure it meets safety standards.

The target is to commence flights in the summer of 2027.