Irish Air Traffic Figures Return to Modest Growth in 2012
14 January 2013: Irish air traffic figures returned to modest growth in 2012. In total, there were 497,859 flights in Irish controlled airspace in 2012. This represents a 0.31% increase on the flights in 2011.
There were 196,566 commercial terminal traffic movements for Dublin, Shannon and Cork in 2012, up 0.3% on 2011. Traffic growth levels over the past five months, particularly at Dublin Airport, are promising.
Individually, the commercial terminal traffic figures for the three State airports were:
- Dublin 156,582 flights in 2012, an increase of 1.4% on 2011.
- Shannon 18,200 flights in 2012, down 5.58% on 2011.
- Cork 21,784 flights in 2012, down 1.8% on 2011.
There were 301,293 en route movements in 2012 (flights that pass through Irish airspace but do not land), up 0.3% on 2011.
Flights served by the North Atlantic Communications Centre in 2012 totaled 400,480, down 0.76% on 2011.
‘2012 proved to be a profoundly challenging year for the global aviation industry and the IAA has worked hard to reduce costs for our airlines customers. In particular, terminal air traffic control fees were reduced by 21% in 2012 and are reduced by a further 4.1% in 2013. Our en route fees were reduced by 8.9% in 2012 and are further reduced by 6.3% in 2013. Ireland’s air traffic control charges continue to be amongst the most competitive in Europe. Our Safety Regulation fees have also been frozen since 2008, a position we intend to maintain through 2013’ - Mr. Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive.
‘2013 will be another tough year for the aviation industry in Ireland’ - said Mr. Brennan ‘but there are signs that a return to more consistent growth in Ireland’s air traffic will emerge’.
In the global context, IATA announced an upward revision to its industry financial outlook. For 2012, airlines are expected to return a profit of $6.7 billion (up from the $4.1 billion forecast in October). This is expected to improve slightly to $8.4 billion in 2013 (marginally better than the $7.5 billion forecast in October). Industry net post-tax margin, however, will remain weak at 1.0% in 2012 and 1.3% in 2013.
ENDS
For further information contact:
Tony Lane, Assistant Communications Officer, IAA
Tel: 01 603 1199 / 086 791 1864