Airport operator Aer Rianta today announced profits of €30.9 million for 2002, although turnover was down by 4 per cent.
Record numbers of passengers passed through Dublin airport last year, making it one of the fastest-growing capital city airports in Europe. The number of people travelling through the airport rose by five per cent to 15.1 million, figures released today showed.
Passenger numbers were also up at Cork and Shannon airports, giving an average increase of 4 per cent.
Speaking at the launch of Aer Rianta's annual report in Dublin today, group chairman Mr Noel Hanlon said he expected the growth to continue. But he warned that uncertainty over the possibility of a new private terminal at Dublin airport could delay essential infrastructure being put in place.
He said if it was not resolved, the "chaos" of the mid-1990s could be repeated. Mr Hanlon said the issue was entirely a matter for the Government and said his company could not comment on the plans.
He warned that breaking up the company would badly affect the performance of Irish airports.
PA