The airport opened on 25 October 1985 with three Aer Lingus charter flights to Rome: the official opening was on 30 May 1986. It was remarkable how one man was motivated by a vision and achieved his goal against all odds.

Knock Airport, officially known as Ireland West Airport Knock, is currently 40 years old. It was officially opened on May 30, 1986. The airport’s creation is a legendary story in Irish history, as it was championed by Monsignor James Horan, who envisioned an international airport that would bring pilgrims and tourists directly to the nearby Knock Shrine. At the time, many critics labeled the project "an airport on a foggy bog" and doubted its viability. However, the airport defied expectations and has since grown into a vital regional hub for the West of Ireland, serving over 800,000 passengers annually by 2026. It provides essential connections to the UK and mainland Europe, supporting both tourism and the local economy. The airport famously celebrated its "Silver Jubilee" (25 years) in 2011 and its 30th anniversary in 2016. Today, it stands as a testament to local determination, featuring a modern terminal and one of the longest runways in Ireland, capable of handling large transatlantic aircraft if needed.