Passenger numbers increase because...
"Wide body" aircraft were used? The only passenger wide body In SNN are 767 and 777 for US military apart from diverts. Either the reporter made it up or the SNN spokesperson hasn't a clue. SNN is stagnant and if it were not for all the diversions (when those were transferred to a bus service) and minimalistic increase in the bucket and spade routes there would be zero growth.
SNN needs to be more proactive in getting new airlines and routes from new or existing companies. EI air fares from SNN must be the highest along with ORK to a hub of any airline within a 90minute flight radius. A year after independence the Airport leadership has become stagnant and concentration more on the groups cash cow property arm. No wonder Neil Pakey is leaving- must be hard to work with an institutionalised- governmental- civil servant regime.
It kills me to drive past my airport and drive 2 hours up the road to fly...