Minister Coffey welcomes resumption of Waterford-London Route

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has welcomed news from Waterford Airport that flights will recommence between London Luton and Waterford direct at the end of next month. Minister Coffey commended all of the staff at Waterford Regional Airport who have worked extremely hard over the last number of months to get this route back in operation.

“Belgian-based VLM airlines will operate the route 12 times a week and they will also operate the route between Waterford and Birmingham 4 times a week. The airline is taking bookings immediately for both routes; the London Luton Route will operate twice daily flights between Monday and Friday and a Saturday and Sunday service also.

“Passenger Numbers at Waterford Airport were up 22% last year compared with 2013, showing the potential the Airport has in bringing tourists directly to the region and acting as a support for businesses operating out of the South East. The Government has always supported Waterford Airport and in 2013 and 2014 alone some €900,000 was allocated for safety and security related projects. In 2014 my colleague, Minister Paschal Donohoe allocated €1 million to Waterford Airport to assist it in its day-to-day operations.

“This is a positive day for Waterford and will be a major boost for the Airport as it continues to grow and expand passenger numbers. Increasing the number of passengers through Waterford Airport will undoubtedly have significant economic benefits for Waterford and the wider Region.

“The Waterford to London Route is key to our connectivity as a region and I commend the CEO of Waterford Airport Desmond O’Flynn in securing this positive result. I want to wish VLM Airlines the very best in operating these significant and strategic routes and I hope that the relationship between Waterford and VLM will continue to flourish over the coming period.”

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