16 December 2015
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Cork Airport is preparing for one of the busiest times of year as it gets set to welcome over 100,000 passengers on 700 flights this festive season. The terminal has been given a seasonal makeover to ensure that those arriving at Cork Airport are greeted with a traditional festive welcome.
Speaking ahead of the festive season to TheCork.ie, Kevin Cullinane, Head of Communications at Cork Airport said: “Christmas is the most exciting and special time of year at the airport. It’s magical to see so many people welcoming family and friends home or to see the excitement for those travelling abroad to be reunited with loved ones.”
Mr. Cullinane added: “Arrival and departure times for all our services can be checked on our website or live flight tracking on our App, so that you can arrive to collect loved ones in plenty of time or to ensure you have ample time to get through to your departure gates.
“It’s important to note that if anyone is collecting arriving passengers, there is free parking in the multi-storey for 15 minutes and the forecourt should only be used to drop off departing passengers.”
Mr Cullinane has some advice for passengers ahead of travelling. He said: “Each year, passengers arrive at security with gifts already beautifully wrapped. We would ask that passengers don’t bring wrapped presents through the airport as hand luggage as they may need to be inspected by Airport Security and the wrapping may have to be removed. We would also remind passengers that Christmas Crackers are not allowed on flights so please don’t bring them as they will have to be left behind.”
Busiest day before Christmas
It is expected that Saturday, 19th December will be the busiest day prior to Christmas with a total capacity of 7,500 seats available. The busiest arrival periods will be 10:00 – 12:00 and the busiest departures period will be 06:00 – 08:00.
Busiest day after Christmas
Saturday, 2nd January 2016 will be the busiest day after Christmas with a total capacity of 7, 900 seats available. The busiest departure periods will be 06:00 – 08:00 and the busiest arrivals period will be between 10:00 – 12:00.
2015 was a good year
The year included the announcement of 12 new routes from Munster’s favourite airport. The most recent announcements were to Southampton and Leeds Bradford with Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Stobart Air. Other routes announced this year include Düsseldorf with Aer Lingus, Cardiff with Flybe, London City, Nantes and La Rochelle with CityJet, Madrid with Iberia Express, Boston, Barcelona and New York with Norwegian Air and Menorca with Lee Travel/Stein Travel.
