Waterford Airport Revival Gains Momentum with Kelcy Warren Investment

The long-awaited revival of Waterford Airport is progressing following the approval of a €30 million investment from US oil billionaire Kelcy Warren. The investment has now passed a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) screening process, clearing the path for crucial construction work and the potential return of commercial flights.

FDI Approval and Runway Expansion

The FDI screening process, completed around mid-February 2026, investigates foreign direct investments based on security and public order criteria. Passing this hurdle allows for the planned doubling in length and width of the airport’s runway as reported by Waterford News & Star. The goal is to attract commercial airlines back to the region, which has been without scheduled flights since VLM Airlines withdrew in 2016.

Corporate Restructuring and Ownership

An Emergency General Meeting (EGM) is scheduled to finalize the transfer of assets from Waterford Regional Airport Plc to a new entity, Waterford Airport Ltd. This new company will be under the control of Kelcy Warren according to Waterford News & Star. Shareholders of Waterford Regional Airport Plc previously agreed to this asset transfer at an EGM on December 8, 2025.

Currently, William Bolster is listed as the sole director of Waterford Airport Ltd, but Mr. Warren is expected to assume control as runway construction begins. Mr. Bolster anticipates construction to commence in the first quarter of 2026 .

Kelcy Warren’s Investment and Business Interests

Kelcy Warren is the chief executive and chairman of Energy Transfer, a major US oil and gas pipeline company with a 2024 turnover of $82.7 billion (€70.7 billion) as reported by The Irish Times. His net worth is estimated at $7.1 billion by Forbes . Warren also owns Castletown Cox, a Georgian Palladian mansion in County Kilkenny, and is developing a whiskey distillery, The Willy Good Distillery Limited, at the property .

Land Acquisition and Local Council Approval

Waterford City and County Council approved the private investment in October, involving the sale of €2.3 million worth of public land to Mr. Warren for just €50,000 . A clause stipulates that the land cannot be sold again until the airport development is complete as reported by Munster Express.

Future Outlook

Summer 2027 is currently being targeted as a potential timeframe for the resumption of commercial flights at Waterford Airport . All airport staff will be retained, and search and rescue services will continue uninterrupted throughout the development process .