Castlebar - County Mayo - New Knock Airport to Alicante Service

Ireland West Airport Knock launched its first ever scheduled flights, to a European destination, outside of UK on Friday 5 June 2009. Ryanair have commenced a twice-weekly service direct to Alicante International Airport in Southern Spain.

Cutting the ribbon at the launch of the new twice weekly scheduled service to Alicante International Airport from Ireland West Airport Knock are Lesley Kane (Head of Sales & Marketing, Ryanair) and John McCarthy (Operations & Commercial Manager, Ireland West Knock). Photo: Michael McCormack

The introduction of Alicante now brings to 10 the number of scheduled destinations available at Ireland West Knock and compliments its additional network of 10 European holiday destinations. This latest expansion at Ireland West Knock will generate an estimated 12,000 additional annual passengers at the Airport this summer.

Flamenco time! Lesley Kane (Head of Sales & Marketing, Ryanair), John McCarthy (Operations & Commercial Manager, Ireland West Knock) and flamenco dancers Alba and Fatima bid farewell to passengers boarding the first scheduled service to Alicante International Airport from Ireland West Airport Knock. Photo: Michael McCormack

To promote the new route launch Ryanair is selling 5,000 seats on flights from Ireland West Airport Knock to Alicante from €35 for travel in June, July, September and October. Fares are one way and include Ryanair taxes and charges. Fares exclude Ireland West Airport Knock’s Development Fee of €10 which is charged to all departing passengers from Ireland West Airport Knock aged 12 years and over.

Flights from Ireland West Airport Knock to Alicante International Airport will depart on Mondays and Fridays at 12.25pm and will return into Ireland West Airport on the same days at 11.55am.

Flamenco time! Launching the new twice weekly scheduled service to Alicante International Airport from Ireland West Airport Knock. Pictured left to Right: Alba Perez (Fatima School of Flamenco Dancing), Lesley Kane (Head of Sales & Marketing, Ryanair), John McCarthy (Operations & Commercial Manager, Ireland West Knock), and Fatima Fernandes (Fatima School of Flamenco Dancing). Photo: Michael McCormack

Liam Scollan, Chairman of Ireland West Airport Knock, welcomed Ryanair’s latest expansion saying: "This new service to Alicante is the first ever low cost, seat-only service to a major European tourist destination from Ireland West Airport Knock. There will be less and less need for people from the West and North West to take the long trek to Dublin when there is such a convenience as Ireland West Airport Knock on their doorstep in the West of Ireland. Whether you are in Donegal, Longford or Galway, you can now literally leave your home at 10:00am and be in Alicante at 5.00pm. That's convenience and it's especially important when whole families are traveling.

Excited first passengers, Jessica Maher, Olive Brennan and Margaret Maher from Clara, Co Offaly are presented with a bottle of sparkling wine as they head off on their holidays to Alicante on the new twice weekly scheduled service from Ireland West Airport Knock. Photo: Michael McCormack

I am conscious also of the potential for TEFL schools (schools which teach English as a foreign language) and other businesses in the West and North West of Ireland to use this service to attract Spanish visitors direct to this region. Last year 243,500 Spanish people visited Ireland and Irish tourism businesses do have opportunities here"

Speaking on behalf of the Spanish Tourist Office in welcoming the new service, José Manuel de Juan, Director, said: "It's great news that Alicante is now closer to Irish people and indeed Spanish people living in the West and North West or Ireland. Alicante city and the Costa Blanca area are perfect destinations for families, as well as for couples or for the over 50s, it is a region that caters for all kind of interests and I am sure that it will become a favourite among the residents of the West and North West of Ireland."

Pictured about to board the first scheduled service to Alicante International Airport from Ireland West Airport Knock. Photo: Michael McCormack

Alicante International Airport is the sixth busiest airport in Spain and in 2008 it handled 9.5 million passengers. Ryanair established a base at the airport in 2007.

Famous for its excellent weather, Alicante is one of the fastest growing cities in Spain and is well known to Irish holidaymakers with its extensive coastline and beaches. Its bustling and vibrant harbour makes it a favourite holiday hot spot not only as an ideal sun holiday but also a fantastic city break. The city of Alicante has fashionable shops, first class hotels and a modern marina. As the provincial capital of Valencia, Alicante also offers excellent architecture, arts, crafts and cuisine.