โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Waterford Airport operates from a 1992-built terminal building currently focused on general aviation, flight training, and charter operations since VLM Airlines ceased scheduled services in June 2016. Located at coordinates 52ยฐ11'14"N, 7ยฐ05'13"W in Ireland's southeast, the facility features a 1,433-meter runway extended in the 1990s with fire rescue category 3 capabilities and approximately 200 parking spaces adjacent to the terminal.
Terminal facilities provide basic passenger amenities including wheelchair accessibility with complimentary special assistance services, an information desk (+353 51 546600), and meeting rooms available for hire. The cafรฉ facilities are currently closed with no reopening date specified, requiring passengers to make alternative dining arrangements. Ground transportation includes regular taxi services and bus connections to Waterford city center, with Enterprise Rent-A-Car providing vehicle rental services.
A major transformation awaits as Waterford City Council approved a โฌ30 million privately-funded redevelopment in October 2025, led by the Bolster Group with construction beginning early 2026. The planned upgrades will extend the runway to 2,300 meters and modernize terminal facilities to accommodate Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 operations, with restoration of commercial services targeted for late 2027 and capacity for over 400,000 annual passengers.
Current operations maintain the airport's active status through flight training academies and general aviation activities, operating in Irish Standard Time (IST, UTC+0/UTC+1 during summer). The nearest commercial airports are Cork (120km west) and Dublin (165km northeast), while weather patterns typical of Ireland's southeast coast can produce sudden changes requiring flexible flight planning for the facility's ongoing aviation operations.
๐ Connection Tips
Waterford Airport currently operates without scheduled commercial services since VLM Airlines ceased operations in June 2016. Flight training operations continue alongside maintenance services, making this an active facility despite the absence of airline schedules. Accessibility features support wheelchair users with full terminal access and complimentary special assistance services available upon request. Local taxi services and bus connections to Waterford city center operate regularly from the airport entrance. Currently, Enterprise Rent-A-Car provides ground transportation services for arriving passengers.
Cafรฉ facilities are currently closed with no reopening date specified, so passengers should plan accordingly. The nearest major commercial airport is Cork (ORK), located 120 kilometers west, while Dublin (DUB) serves as the primary international hub 165 kilometers northeast. The project aims to restore commercial services by late 2027 with capacity for over 400,000 annual passengers. The terminal building from 1992 provides basic amenities including an information desk (+353 51 546600), meeting rooms for hire, and approximately 200 parking spaces adjacent to the terminal. Weather patterns typical of Ireland's southeast coast can produce sudden changes requiring flexible flight planning.
Construction beginning early 2026 will extend the runway to 2,300 meters and upgrade terminal facilities, enabling Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 operations. The facility remains active with general aviation, flight training, and charter operations on its 1,433-meter runway extended in the 1990s. The airport operates in Irish Standard Time (IST, UTC+0/UTC+1 during summer) with a fire rescue category of 3. A major transformation awaits as Waterford City Council approved a โฌ30 million privately-funded redevelopment in October 2025, led by the Bolster Group.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Belmullet Aerodrome (BLY) is a specialized regional aviation facility serving the remote Mullet Peninsula in County Mayo, on the rugged Atlantic coast of Ireland. The airfield features a single 450-meter grass runway (07/25) situated at an elevation of approximately 150 feet above sea level. As a licensed civilian aerodrome, it provides a vital link for general aviation, recreational pilots, and specialized flight training missions in one of the most scenic and meteorologically challenging corners of the Wild Atlantic Way.
The 'terminal' at Belmullet is a modest, functional structure that serves as a transition point between the Atlantic landscape and the regional skies. There are no permanent commercial check-in desks or automated security systems; instead, the facility operates as a community-integrated airfield where flight arrivals and departures are typically managed by the local aerodrome committee or private flight schools. The building provides basic shelter and administrative space for pilots, reflecting its role as a secondary aviation node rather than a commercial passenger hub. Access to the airfield for visiting aircraft requires a prior landing permit from the Irish Aviation Authority-licensed operators.
Amenities within the immediate aerodrome area are minimal, focusing on the essential requirements of general aviation pilots and their passengers. The facility offers basic restroom services and a small seating area, though the primary hospitality and retail services are located in the nearby town of Belmullet, just 4 kilometers to the east. Ground transportation is restricted to local private vehicles or pre-arranged taxi services that connect the airstrip to the village center and its historic sea-monster museum and harbor. The airport remains a strategic piece of infrastructure for regional tourism and emergency services, providing a unique arrival experience for adventurous aviators exploring the western fringe of Europe.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Belmullet Aerodrome (BLY) requires travelers to be self-sufficient and coordinated with local ground transport. Because the airfield does not host scheduled commercial transfers, all connections involve transitioning from a private or recreational flight to local logistics to reach the coastal resorts or hiking trails of County Mayo. It is essential to verify your landing permit and ground handling at least 48 hours in advance, as the facility is a small civilian airstrip. To ensure a smooth transition, allow for a flexible arrival window, as operations on the Mullet Peninsula are highly susceptible to volatile Atlantic weather, high winds, and low-hanging sea fog.
There is no automated baggage transfer at BLY; all personal gear must be manually retrieved and personally managed through the transition to your next mode of transport. For pilots making technical stops, note that the airport has limited on-site refueling for large commercial aircraft, and most regional flight loops are pre-coordinated with fuel reserves at larger hubs like Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC). During the peak summer tourism season, the airfield can see increased volume from private aviation enthusiasts, so early coordination for tie-down space is essential. In the event of an unscheduled delay due to weather, re-booking for commercial travelers typically involves transitioning by road to Knock or Sligo, which are the nearest airports with more robust infrastructure.
The lack of traditional commercial desks means having a local contact or a pre-arranged transport provider in Belmullet is a standard practice for regular visitors. Ground transportation is conveniently located near the exit, with local taxis providing the most reliable point-to-point service. The facility serves as a vital asset for the development of tourism in western Ireland, providing the only rapid access to some of the most remote coastal environments in the country.
โ Back to Waterford Airport