Emerald Airlines, exclusive operator of Aer Lingus Regional, has launched a new weekly charter service linking Groningen Airport Eelde in the Netherlands with Ireland West Airport Knock. Operated on behalf of Dutch tour operator BBI Travel, the seasonal route will run every Saturday from June 7 to August 30, using a 72-seat ATR72-600 aircraft. The inaugural was operated by EI-GPP ATR72-212A(600) msn 1322.
To mark the inaugural flight, passengers and crew were given a warm send-off in Groningen by key dignitaries, including Ann Derwin, Ambassador of Ireland to the Netherlands; Ciaran Smith of Emerald Airlines; Kieran Houlihan and Karen van der Horst of Tourism Ireland; Willemien Meeuwissen, Deputy of the Province of Drenthe; and Donal Healy of Ireland West Airport Knock. Upon arrival in Ireland West Airport, the group was welcomed with a regional celebration, including live traditional Irish music performed by members of the Swinford Comhaltas Group.
The launch of this route represents a significant development for tourism in the West and Northwest of Ireland, providing direct connectivity from the Netherlands to the region.
Image Credit: Ireland West Airport
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 12 June 2025 All Rights Reserved
