Kerry to Belfast flights would be huge opportunity for Kingdom’s newly expanded airport

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

A Kerry councillor has called for direct flights from Kerry airport to Belfast, citing the potential benefits for tourism and business.

At a meeting this week, Councillor Robert Brosnan called on elected members to lobby for a flight, calling the motion a “big opportunity” for Kerry’s tourism sector.

He also highlighted that many in the county work in Belfast, often making the long trip between the two.

Currently, the fastest way from Tralee to Belfast is via Dublin and takes approximately five and-a-half hours to drive outside of busy periods. Making the journey by public transport takes at minimum around six and a half hours.

Within Ireland and the UK, Kerry Airport currently flies to Dublin, Manchester and London.

The flight to Belfast would be shorter than the one hour and 15-minute journey to Manchester, which run by Ryanair, often costs under €20 when booked a month in advance.

The call comes after Kerry Airport received a major upgrade, with a new arrivals hall being officially opened by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin this week.

The new facility includes a modern public foyer, expanded immigration and customs areas and a larger luggage belt.

Speaking at the official opening, the Taoiseach said that more than 50 years after first opening the vision of its founding fathers has been realised in the shape of a successful and respected international airport.

“Kerry Airport acts as an economic driver for the region and has a major impact on the social and economic infrastructure of the surrounding area.

“State investments are essential for the continued delivery of a safe and efficient service at Kerry Airport, while representing major backing for rural Ireland that helps to sustain jobs and create new ones.”

Part of a €5m redevelopment, an extended departures area was also delivered earlier this year, featuring additional seating, a new smoking area and an extra boarding gate. Works started in September 2024 and concluded with the opening of the new departures area in July.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive following the opening of our new Arrivals Hall in March 2025 and the completion of the expansion of the Departures Hall at the end of July 2025,” said the chair of the board of Kerry Airport Plc, Mr Denis Cregan.

“The new developments demonstrate our continued commitment to improving the Kerry Airport passenger experience…it will be a strong driver in our conversations with airlines with the capacity to handle additional routes.”