Ireland West airport Knock announces reopening plans

Ireland West Airport Knock will be reopening for flight operations on Wednesday, July 1.

Initially Ryanair will operate services to nine destinations.

A statement issued by the airport explained: "At Ireland West Airport your wellbeing is our number one priority.

"We understand that air travel in this current coronavirus (Covid-19) world is a new experience for everybody.

"It is our priority to ensure that all our staff and passengers keep healthy and safe.

"Ireland West Airport is following Ireland's public health advice in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"From July 1 we will be introducing a range of new measures, which reflect both Ireland’s national Covid-19 guidelines, and the recent guidelines developed by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), to ensure the safe return of flight operations in Europe’s aviation sector.

"When you travel through the airport we encourage the public to adhere to the following protocols to ensure we protect each other and ensure the journey through Ireland West Airport continues to be a safe and pleasant one."

NEW COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

Follow the air carrier advice concerning the expected duration of time required to be at the airport before your flight.

Do not come to the airport if you have the following symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell.

Only those with a confirmed flight booking should enter the airport terminal building, anyone not flying should not enter the check-in, departure or arrival areas at the airport. This advice is in line with the current EASA guidelines.

Exceptions will be allowed for persons accompanying persons with reduced mobility, unaccompanied minors, etc.

Wear a face covering/mask throughout your journey through the airport to protect yourself and your fellow passengers.

Passengers should bring their own face mask but if you forget to do so, masks will be available for purchase at the airport.

Children under the age of 13 will not be asked to wear face masks and passengers who have a valid medical reason for not wearing a face mask will also be exempt.

Where possible use On-Line Check-In and Electronic Boarding Passes.

Practice physical distancing where possible in line with national guidelines.

Keep your hands clean on the go by using hand sanitiser at the numerous hand sanitiser stations at the airport.

Please use contactless card to pay for goods and services at the airport where possible.

Passengers are recommended to pre-book car parking online in advance.

Contactless pay machines and entry columns are available at both entry and exit to the car park.

Customers who have not booked online in advance, can also use a contactless tap facility or insert their card upon arrival to the airport’s car park.

At all times, adhere to respiratory etiquette, hand hygiene, and avoid touching your face, nose, eyes and mouth.