Calls for the reopening and retention of Galway Airport are intensifying as local advocates, industry figures, and public representatives warn that its potential sale could result in the permanent loss of a strategic national asset.
The airport, owned by the Galway City Council and Galway County Council, is currently being prepared for sale, raising concerns that the Carnmore site could be repurposed for non-aviation use.
Although closed to commercial flights since 2011, Galway Airport remains operational for non-commercial aviation. Advocates argue this existing functionality strengthens the case for revival. According to a briefing document circulated by the group, “Galway County Council has wisely maintained a functional Airfield in everyday use by non-commercial traffic… It can rapidly return to commercial service without major investment.”
A briefing document titled “21 Reasons to retain Galway Airport” argues that the facility is “already usable” and “can rapidly return to commercial service without major investment,” highlighting its continued day-to-day use and existing infrastructure. It also frames the airport as a critical piece of national infrastructure, warning that once lost, such assets are extremely difficult to replace.
Controversial decisions
The debate comes as councillors continue to deliberate the future of the 118-acre Carnmore site after it was listed for sale by both local authorities in May 2025. A routine lease extension for Galway Flying Club discussed by Galway County Council in December 2025, however, triggered a wider discussion among elected members, many of whom expressed frustration at delays and concerns regarding the site's potential as a connectivity hub for Galway being lost forever.
At the time, Independent councillor Tomás Ó Curraóin warned of the consequences of losing the facility, stating: “Once it goes, it is very hard to get it back.” Similarly, councillors highlighted the airport’s historic role in business connectivity and emergency services, with some calling the absence of an airport in Galway “a shame.”
Future plans take nose dive
Significant backing has also come from the aviation industry. In a formal letter, Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA ) outlined the strategic importance of regional airports within Ireland’s aviation ecosystem. Chief executive Mark Casey cautioned that “decisions to permanently remove aviation infrastructure should be approached with particular caution,” adding that “once an airport is decommissioned, the option to respond to future strategic needs… is effectively lost.”
The academy identified Galway as a potential base for significant operations, including pilot training, business aviation, and national infrastructure support. It stated that a Galway base could generate “in excess of 1,000 movements per month once… fully operational,” alongside leasing commercial space and contributing to employment and skills development.
Investment and future plans
Proponents argue that the airport’s value extends beyond commercial passenger services. A list of “21 Reasons to retain Galway Airport” emphasises its role in emergency response, stating the facility supports “air ambulances, urgent medical supplies, organ transport and emergency response during floods, fire and major incidents.” The document also highlights opportunities in areas such as aircraft maintenance, drone technology, tourism, and future low-emission aviation.
Despite this, council officials have indicated that no fully developed proposal for restoring the airport to commercial use has been formally advanced. Chief executive Liam Conneally noted that the site has instead been positioned as a strategic economic development zone, with interest from State agencies and private investors.
With an AMV (advised minimum value ) of €90,000 per acre, industry expectation is that the airport will sell for at least €10.5m, the possibility of a sale has further sharpened divisions between local representatives across the two councils. Some councillors argue the land could address housing or recreational needs, while others advocate preserving at least part of the site for aviation.
Short sighted plans
Speaking at the December Plenary Meeting of Galway County Council, Fine Gael councillor James Charity warned against short-term thinking, stating that “it would be very short-sighted not to have some protection for engagement on that site,” particularly given its role in search and rescue operations. Meanwhile, independent councillor Tom Grealish recalled the airport as a “very busy airport” and “a great asset for Galway,” underlining its historic importance to the region.
As councillors prepare to weigh up competing expressions of interest regarding the site, the future of Galway Airport remains uncertain. However, with growing pressure from industry stakeholders and elected representatives alike, the decision is increasingly being framed as one that goes beyond a property transaction, becoming as a long-term strategic choice about infrastructure, connectivity and regional development.
