Groningen Airport Eelde Adds Two Irish Routes for Summer 2027
BBI Travel returns to Groningen Airport Eelde with flights to Knock and a new service to Kerry, both operated by SkyAlps.
Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ) will have two direct connections to Ireland in summer 2027. Dutch tour operator BBI Travel is bringing back its service to Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC) and adding Kerry Airport (KIR) as a new destination. Both routes will be operated once a week by SkyAlps.
Knock Returns, Kerry Joins the Network
Flights to Knock will operate every Monday from 26 April until 6 September 2027, while the new Kerry service will operate on Thursdays from 29 April until 9 September.
BBI Travel previously offered direct flights between Groningen and Knock in summer 2025. The service did not return in 2026 due to a shortage of available aircraft, but will now resume as part of an expanded Irish programme.
With the addition of Kerry, Groningen Airport Eelde will offer direct access to two airports along Ireland's west coast. Neither destination currently has a direct connection from elsewhere in the Benelux.
Two Airports, More Travel Options
By combining flights to Knock and Kerry, BBI Travel can offer travellers the option of arriving at one airport and departing from the other. This makes it possible to explore the Wild Atlantic Way without having to return to the starting point.
"The advantage of having two airports is that travellers can start and finish their journey in different places," explains Henk van der Kooi, Managing Director of BBI Travel. "They can fly to Knock, explore the Wild Atlantic Way by rental car and fly directly back to Groningen from Kerry."
The new connections are also welcomed by the two Irish airports. Kerry Airport is located close to Killarney, Tralee and the Ring of Kerry, while Ireland West Airport Knock provides access to the west and northwest of Ireland. Both airports see opportunities to attract more visitors to their respective regions.
Building on an Existing Partnership
BBI Travel and Groningen Airport Eelde have worked together for many years. In addition to its Irish programme, the tour operator also offers winter sports holidays to the Scandinavian Mountains from Groningen.
"We are very pleased to add Kerry and welcome Knock back to our destination network," says Jonas van Dorp, Commercial Manager at Groningen Airport Eelde. "We have enjoyed a good working relationship with BBI Travel for many years, and we look forward to welcoming SkyAlps to our airport."
The Irish programme will also mark the arrival of SkyAlps as an operator at Groningen Airport Eelde, adding another airline to the airport's network of partners.
The first service to Knock is scheduled for 26 April 2027, with Kerry following three days later.