History of Kerry Airport
If you would like to read more about Kerry Airport, see our book Kerry in the Jet Age (Kerry Airport 1969 – 2009) written by Donal Hickey. Beautifully illustrated with archive images. It is available from the Kerry Airport Departures Lounge Shop.
Kerry Airport was incorporated as a public limited company in July 1968 with its main objective of building and managing an airport at Farranfore. Various share capital fund raising programmes were undertaken and together with great assistance from the various statutory bodies over the years, the airport has developed from a runway of 1,090 metres x 23 metres commissioned in 1969 to a runway of 1,239m x 30m commissioned in 1989 and a new runway of 2,000m x 45m was opened in May 1994.
On the 25th August 1969 the first aircraft to land at Kerry Airport was piloted by Captain Milo Carr of the Department of Transport & Power. For a number of years the only aircraft using the aerodrome were light private aircraft and the occasional charter or cargo flight and also extensive parachuting took place. The first scheduled service was inaugurated in July 1979 using an islander aircraft operated by Aer Arann.
Encouraged by the apparent success of other regional airports in Ireland, the Board of Directors drew up a development plan to lengthen and widen the runway to 1,200m x 30m and to extend and upgrade the Terminal Buildings and to install an Instrument Landing System and appropriate lighting.
The runway was completed on schedule and the first scheduled flight into Kerry was on the 22nd May 1989 from Dublin by Aer Lingus followed the next day by Ryanair from London-Luton. On the 21st May 1993, the contract for the new runway of 2,000m x 45m and New Terminal was signed and the official “Sod Turning” was performed by An Tanaiste, Mr. Dick Spring TD.
The Runway 08/26 was licensed by the IAA on the 20th May 1994 and the first flight landed at 13:23 local time on the 20th May. It was a PA28 aircraft registration G-BLSD FROM Manchester and was piloted by C.Gurley. This was followed by the first commercial flight by Aer Lingus, a Saab 340. Its registration was EI-CFD and it was commanded by Captain Peter Heinz.
Today Kerry Airport currently offers scheduled direct flights to Dublin, London-Stansted, London-Luton, Berlin, and Frankfurt-Hahn with seasonal flights to Alicante & Faro. As well as the scheduled services it also handles several Ad-Hoc charter flights to Lourdes, Fatima and Medjugorje. The airport is constantly sourcing new routes that will be sustainable and of social and economical benefit to those living, working and holidaying in the region of Kerry.
Kerry Airport charges
Please download PDF by clicking link below.
1. Airport Fees & Charges
2. Charter Operations & Diversions Charges
Operational hours
Please refer to current NOTAMS
Requests for handling
Requests to be emailed to: info@kerryairport.ie or SITA: KIRAPXH
Application for training flight facilities
Kerry Airport hot spots
Aerodrome Technical Details
Country
Ireland
IATA
KIR
IACO ID
EIKY
Airport Type
Civil
Operating Company
Kerry Airport plc
Handling Company
Kerry Airport plc
Frequency
Tower 123.325 MHz
Ground 121.6 MHz
ATIS 118.025 MHz
Aerodrome Reference Point
52.1052N
09.3125W
Elevation
112 FT ASL
Reference Temperature
18.6 (July)
Magnetic Variation
06 39 W (2004)
11 Decreasing
Runway
26/08
Dimensions
2,000 metre x 45 metre Asphalt Surface
PCN
44 / F / C / W / T
PAPI
Runway 08 Slope 3 Degrees / Runway 26 Slope 3 Degrees
Approach
RWY 08
1. NDB / DME
RWY 26
1. ILS / NDB / DME
2. NDB / DME
3. LLZ / NDB / DME
ILS
CAT 1
Fire Cover
CAT 4 (CAT 7 Available with 24HR Prior Notice to Aerodrome Administration through main switchboard)
Met Éireann
Metars and weather observations available during opening hours from ATC.
Forecasts available from Met Eireann, Shannon
ATC Contact Details
Direct Telephone: + 353 66 9764794
Direct Fax: + 353 66 9764988
Email: atc@kerryairport.ie
Handling Services
Scheduled Flight Handling
The following are the services we provide to all scheduled airlines operating in and out of Kerry Airport :
- Reservations
- Check-In
- Boarding
- Ambilift
- Aircraft Handling
- Meet & Assist
- Refuelling (Jet A1)
- Weather Briefings
- Aircraft Steps
- De-Icing
Charter Flight Handing
Here are just a few of the main services that we provide:
- Airport Check In
- Aircraft Boarding
- Arranging Landing Permission
- Stand Allocation
- Aircraft Steps
- Assistance with Customs & Immigration
- Meet, Greet & Assist
- Catering
- Assistance with Passengers Baggage
- Corporate Signage displayed throughout the Airport As Required
- Dedicated Coach Parking adjacent to the main airport terminal At Kerry Airport
Our dedicated and highly trained staff are committed to exceeding your expectations and making your travel experience as enjoyable and effortless as possible, so you can just show up and go.
Executive Flight Handling
Kerry Airport is popular with Business Executive Traffic. We provide all Ground Handling and Customer Services to the business and corporate jets operating into and out of Kerry Airport. We understand that all aircraft operators require quick turnarounds and a professional service at all times and we provide these services in a safe, punctual, professional and reliable manner.
The following are the main services we provide:
- Arranging Landing Permission
- Stand Allocation
- Assistance with Customs & Immigration
- Refuelling Jet A1
- Flight Planning (Including Slot Arrangements)
- Weather Briefing
- Courtesy Crew & Passenger Transport To And From Aircraft
- Arrange Crew Transport To And From Hotel
- Catering
- Crew Accommodation At Preferential Rates In A Choice Of 3 Star or 5 Star Hotels
- Passenger Handling Ð Assistance With Baggage, Transportation and Accommodation, if required
As with all travel arrangements, plans can change at the last minute for both passengers and flight crews. To accommodate these last minute changes we aim to be flexible and assist passengers and crews with any alternative arrangements.
At Kerry Airport we are committed to continuous route development, to provide direct access into Kerry for visitors worldwide. For the first six months of 2019 Kerry Airport welcomed 171,140 passengers, representing a 2% growth for the same period in 2018. With daily access to Dublin Airport with Aer Lingus Regional, passengers can connect worldwide from Kerry Airport.
Kerry Airport is situated in the South West of Ireland, and after Dublin (capital) this region is the most visited for holidaymakers in Ireland, as noted by Failte Ireland, the region attracts 26% of all holiday makers after Dublin, which attracts 37%. However, it is widely recognised that many visitors spend a relatively short time in Dublin.
Kerry is a leader in tourism with 1.3 million overseas visitors spending €337 million in the county in 2017, and in the same year Kerry accounted for 14% of overseas visitors to Ireland. Currently 27% of all U.K. visitors to Ireland will stay in the South West region. In 2017 32% of French visitors to Ireland visited Kerry and in the same year 27% of all Italian visitors to Ireland visited the county (source – Tourism Ireland).
Why Kerry Airport?
Kerry is Ireland’s premier tourist destination, welcoming over 1.3 million visitors annually.
We at Kerry Airport are unique in our “can do” attitude and our stakeholders are heavily invested working in a partnership to attract and secure business, extend a warm welcome and wow visitors to our very special part of Ireland.
Our expert team will work directly with you on all co-operative marketing to reach all audiences both in Ireland and in destination marketing overseas.
We have an enviable position along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way with world renowned iconic visitor attractions to match the motivations of the Culturally Curious, Great Escapers and Social Energisers.
Contact
Contact:
Johh Mulhern, C.E.O., Kerry Airport
Email: john.mulhern@kerryairport.ie
Phone: +353 66 9764644
Kerry Airport Safety Policy
This safety Policy is a description of the overall philosophies and principles of Kerry Airport with regards to safety, it describes the airports commitment in writing to achieve and maintain the highest levels of safety, health and quality at all levels within the organisation that leads to the avoidance of, and reduction in risks to safety, health and welfare as far as is reasonably practical.
The Scope of the Safety Management System and supporting procedures covers Kerry Airports site as well as it’s associated operations in the provision of Air Traffic Management and Aerodrome Services excluding Design and Development.
Safety, Health and Quality is afforded the highest priority throughout the Airport’s activities, irrespective of commercial, operational, environmental or social pressures. The Board of Directors and Senior Management are committed to the promotion of Safety, Health and Quality in consultation with its employees and stakeholders, by creating an organisational culture that encourages safe practices, effective safety reporting and communication, and proactively and explicitly manages safety through the application of a formal Safety Management System (SMS).
Kerry Airport Safety Objectives include:
- Develop and embed a safety culture in all our aviation activities that recognises the importance and value of effective aviation safety management and acknowledges at all times that safety is paramount;
- Clearly define for all staff and Managers their accountabilities and responsibilities, enforcing safety as one primary responsibility. Staff have an individual responsibility for their own actions and are accountable for any departure from specified standards and practices applicable to their job. In addition, managers are responsible for the safety performance within their section/organisation.
- Compliance with relevant regulatory reporting requirements, ensuring the purpose of reporting and internal investigations is to improve safety and standards and not to apportion blame;
- Maintain a formal Hazard analysis and Risk Assessment process to identify, analyse, assess and mitigate to a point that is as low as reasonably practicable/achievable known risks present in the Aerodrome and ATM operations;
- Ensure that externally supplied systems, services and goods that impact upon the safety of our operations meet appropriate safety standards and requirements of any regulatory body;
- Actively develop and improve our safety processes to conform to applicable standards, and consider best practices.
- Ensure the Airport procedures are designed to meet all legal and regulatory requirements of ATM and Aerodrome services including the requirements of Safety, Health and Quality which shall be managed proactively and explicitly through the application of a formal and integrated Safety Management System (SMS);
- Comply with and, wherever possible, exceed legislative and regulatory requirements and standards; as a minimum comply with the requirements of:
– EU and National legislation
– Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005 (the Act)
– International Civil Aviation Organisation, EASA, EUROCONTROL and the Competent Authority. - Ensure that all staff and management are provided with adequate training, shall be deemed competent for the jobs they are required to complete, and are only allocated tasks commensurate with their skills;
- Ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are available to achieve safety objectives and manage key safety risks, including safe facilities, materials, systems and equipment, personnel and financial resources;
- Establish and measure our safety performance against realistic safety targets;
- Providing safe and efficient services in an open and transparent manner without discrimination against user or individual.
- Continually improve our safety, Health and quality performance to the highest standards, with the involvement of employees and to periodically review this Safety Policy to ensure it remains relevant and appropriate, and to communicating any changes to employees;
- Promoting a ‘Just Culture’ based on key elements, developed in consultation with employees, which creates an environment that allows employees to report all incidents and safety concerns without threat of censure, disciplinary action or subsequent loss of employment, except when there is gross negligence or a deliberate or wilful disregard to our standard operating practices and procedures (Refer to KIR-SOT-AP7)
This Safety Policy and its associated objectives shall be communicated to all personnel (including relevant contracted staff and organisations on request or as and when required), it available in both hard and soft copies.
Our Commitment
Kerry Airport’s commitment to transition to a greener operation is proceeding with fervour.
We have signed up to Science Based Target initiatives (SBTi) on greenhouse gas emissions, continued the almost complete transition of our vehicular fleet to electric and begun a detailed examination of on-campus energy generation.
In recognising the challenges facing the aviation industry in the global battle to protect our environment, Kerry Airport has introduced measures including the purchase of electric aircraft tugs, baggage conveyors, special assistance passenger transport vehicles, and an incident support vehicle.
Funding was also allocated for the provision of an airfield patrol vehicle, a runway maintenance vehicle, a rescue vehicle, and an upgrade of all carpark and runway lighting to low energy LED. A Department of Transport Grant will help fund the provision of an electric de-icing vehicle and potentially Green Energy Generation as part of our efforts to meet our sustainability objectives over the coming years. A feasibility study including planning for substantial photovoltaic energy generation on campus is at present in progress.
Information taken from sciencebasedtargets.org
Kerry Airport Ireland are very grateful to the Government to be supported by this long-term strategy through which the Airport is becoming a more resilient and sustainable hub for connectivity here in Kerry.
Kerry Airport Mission Vision and Values
Our Vision
To be the number one Regional Airport, a standard bearer from which others are measured.
Our Mission
To be a thriving Airport whilst working tirelessly to improve the economic and social well-being of our community and people.
Our Values
People
Value, grow and mentor our employees, recognising talent and commitment.
Planet
Continue our sincere commitment to sustainability, setting targets for decarbonisation and achieving them.
Community
We value our community and endeavour to be pivotal to economic, social and cultural growth.
Customer
Value our customers wherever and however they travel, to ensure they have a most positive experience.
Why Kerry Airport?
Kerry is Ireland’s premier tourist destination, welcoming over 1.3 million visitors annually.
We at Kerry Airport are unique in our “can do” attitude and our stakeholders are heavily invested working in a partnership to attract and secure business, extend a warm welcome and wow visitors to our very special part of Ireland.
Our expert team will work directly with you on all co-operative marketing to reach all audiences both in Ireland and in destination marketing overseas.
We have an enviable position along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way with world renowned iconic visitor attractions to match the motivations of the Culturally Curious, Great Escapers and Social Energisers.
Kerry Executive Handling is the sole executive handling agent at Kerry Airport – a regional airport in the southwest of Ireland. Kerry airport is situated in the heart of county Kerry and in close proximity to all major attractions and towns. Kerry Executive Handling ensures that all clients using our services receive a first class professional service.
Why Kerry Executive Handling?
• We had in excess of 3,600 Private Aircraft, Corporate Jet and Helicopter movements in 2018.
• 2,000 metre x 45 metre runway allowing us to cater for even the most exclusive jets.
• We work with many global suppliers of aviation fuel and services.
• We work with some of the world’s leading handling companies.
• Helicopter transfers catered for on request.
• Jet A1 available.
Passenger Services
- Executive Lounge
- Meet and Greet (on request)
- VIP Handling
- VIP Ramp Transport
- Assistance with Customs and Immigration
- VIP & Taxi Road Transport Arrangements
- VIP Catering
Crew Services
- Crew lounge
- Meet and Greet (on request)
- VIP Handling
- VIP Ramp Transport
- Assistance with Customs and Immigration
- Weather and Notam’s
- Flight Plans and Flight Documentation
- VIP Catering
- Tea/Coffee
Aircraft Services
- JET A1 Refuelling
- Aircraft Parking Long Term
- Airstairs
- Airstart Unit
- Belt Loader
- De-icing
- Lavatory Service
- Executive Courtesy Vehicles
- Potable Water
- Water Service
- Tow bar (specify type)
- Dishwashing
- Flight Planning
- Helicopter Landing
- GPU
- Catering
- Ice
- Weather Planning Service
- Overnight Hangar (subject to availability)
- VIP/Head of State Handling
- Wheelchairs
- Wheelchair lift / Ambi-Lift
If you would like to read more about Kerry Airport, see our book Kerry in the Jet Age (Kerry Airport 1969 – 2009) written by Donal Hickey. Beautifully illustrated with archive images. It is available from the Kerry Airport Departures Lounge Shop.
Kerry Airport was incorporated as a public limited company in July 1968 with its main objective of building and managing an airport at Farranfore. Various share capital fund raising programmes were undertaken and together with great assistance from the various statutory bodies over the years, the airport has developed from a runway of 1,090 metres x 23 metres commissioned in 1969 to a runway of 1,239m x 30m commissioned in 1989 and a new runway of 2,000m x 45m was opened in May 1994.
On the 25th August 1969 the first aircraft to land at Kerry Airport was piloted by Captain Milo Carr of the Department of Transport & Power. For a number of years the only aircraft using the aerodrome were light private aircraft and the occasional charter or cargo flight and also extensive parachuting took place. The first scheduled service was inaugurated in July 1979 using an islander aircraft operated by Aer Arann.
Encouraged by the apparent success of other regional airports in Ireland, the Board of Directors drew up a development plan to lengthen and widen the runway to 1,200m x 30m and to extend and upgrade the Terminal Buildings and to install an Instrument Landing System and appropriate lighting.
The runway was completed on schedule and the first scheduled flight into Kerry was on the 22nd May 1989 from Dublin by Aer Lingus followed the next day by Ryanair from London-Luton. On the 21st May 1993, the contract for the new runway of 2,000m x 45m and New Terminal was signed and the official “Sod Turning” was performed by An Tanaiste, Mr. Dick Spring TD.
The Runway 08/26 was licensed by the IAA on the 20th May 1994 and the first flight landed at 13:23 local time on the 20th May. It was a PA28 aircraft registration G-BLSD FROM Manchester and was piloted by C.Gurley. This was followed by the first commercial flight by Aer Lingus, a Saab 340. Its registration was EI-CFD and it was commanded by Captain Peter Heinz.
Today Kerry Airport currently offers scheduled direct flights to Dublin, London-Stansted, London-Luton, Berlin, and Frankfurt-Hahn with seasonal flights to Alicante & Faro. As well as the scheduled services it also handles several Ad-Hoc charter flights to Lourdes, Fatima and Medjugorje. The airport is constantly sourcing new routes that will be sustainable and of social and economical benefit to those living, working and holidaying in the region of Kerry.






