'You'll be delayed' - Ryanair boss shares joke with Aer Lingus passengers during Knock visit

There were some fun encounters this Tuesday when Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary visited Ireland West Airport in Knock, County Mayo.

Despite some heavy rain, the Westmeath man was welcomed to "sunny Mayo" as he arrived to mark the airport's 40th birthday celebrations.

Wearing a Mayo GAA jersey inside the terminal building he met with local business leaders, staff and members of the public including Mayo football star Aidan O'Shea.

Mr O'Leary also joked with passengers who were queuing for an Aer Lingus flight that they would be "delayed".

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Commenting on his visit, he said. “Having Ryanair in Knock Airport is far better than any Sam Maguire. Mayo may have been cursed on the football fields for the last 50 years, but thanks to Knock Airport and Ryanair, it continues to be the champion for low-fare air access and tourism growth in the West of Ireland. With over 1m passengers in 2026, and 17 routes to the UK & Europe, Ryanair and Knock Airport continue to work closely together to deliver low fare traffic and tourism growth for the West of Ireland.”

Joe Gilmore, Managing Director of Ireland West Airport, welcomed the Ryanair CEO to the airport.

“We would like to welcome Michael to the airport to mark the 40th anniversary and to recognise the long term business relationship the airport has had with Ryanair since their first service departed the airport in December 1986, this relationship continues to be strong today with the airline serving 17 destinations from the airport, and last year celebrated the wonderful milestone of carrying their 12 millionth passenger through the airport. This summer Ryanair will operate their biggest ever schedule from the airport and we look forward to continuing this strong partnership and to growing our network of routes and services with Ryanair in the future.”