The number of jobs supported or facilitated by Dublin Airport increased from 97,400 in 2013 to 117,300 last year, as annual passenger numbers at the airport increased from 20.2 million to 27.9 million during the same period.
This is according to a new economic study which estimates that Dublin Airport’s passenger growth has helped create almost 20,000 new jobs in the Irish economy over the past four years.
The study by economic consultants InterVISTAS found that Dublin Airport’s annual value to the Irish economy increased from €6.9 billion per year to €8.3 billion per year, as passenger numbers grew by 38% over the past four years.
Furthermore, Cork Airport also plays a major economic role within the Ireland south region, as it supports about 11,000 jobs and €727 million worth of economic activity. Cork’s economic role is also boosted by the fact that it has the highest connectivity of any airport in the Republic of Ireland outside of Dublin.
Dublin and Cork airport is operated by daa group which recorded profits after tax increasing by 75% to €108 million last year due to growing passenger numbers at home and abroad, improved commercial income and the impact of new overseas businesses.
Turnover increased by 17% to a record €793 million, with aeronautical and commercial activities showing good growth and international turnover benefitting from the impact of ARI’s new retail operations in New Zealand and daa International’s contract to manage a new airport terminal in Saudi Arabia.
Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation increased by 20% to €247 million for the year. Operating costs increased by 14% to €381 million due to the impact of new businesses overseas and additional staff hired to cope with growing passenger numbers.
Overall, passenger numbers at Dublin and Cork airports increased by 11% to a record 30.1 million in 2016. daa welcomed more passengers at its two Irish airports last year than it did during any year when it operated three airports in Ireland.
DAA Chief Executive, Kevin Toland today commented, "Dublin and Cork airports are two of the most important pieces of economic infrastructure in the State and their standing will increase even further in a post Brexit environment. We’re working hard to increase connectivity at both airports for the good of the Irish economy, to help generate more trade and investment and to expand Ireland’s growing tourism industry."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
