23 December 2018
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
File photo: A group of Spanish media who have landed at Cork Airport with Iberia Express airlines during the Summer. Picture: Tourism Ireland
149,000 passengers are expected to travel through Cork Airport this Christmas and New Year, with Friday, December 21 beeing busiest day for arrivals.
The numbers forecasted to arrive and depart at Ireland’s second largest and best-connected international airport over the Christmas and New Year period are up 3.5% compared with the same time last year.
The growth at Cork Airport is driven by new and extended routes and services added this winter season, including Ryanair’s new winter service to Faro, Portugal, along with the commencement of the airline’s London Luton route. Aer Lingus has added capacity with its new Lisbon route, which commenced in October, as well as extending its Tenerife service to a twice weekly frequency.
Air France’s daily service from Cork to Paris Charles de Gaulle, which commenced in May, has also added to the capacity at Cork Airport.
Head of Communications at Cork Airport, Kevin Cullinane said: “Cork Airport plays a vital role in getting people to where they need to be for the Christmas season. With new routes and extended services this winter season, the airport offers greater choice and flexibility for those choosing to fly through Cork Airport.
Kevin Cullinane, Head of Communications at Cork Airport
“While December 21 is expected to be the busiest day at the airport for arrivals, as we welcome passengers home for their Christmas holiday, the busiest day for departures is Friday, December 28. This will also be the busiest day overall, for both arrivals and departures.
“2018 has been a fantastic year of growth for Cork Airport, and we extend our thanks to our customers, airlines and stakeholders. Over 2.4 million passengers passed through Cork Airport this year, our third consecutive year of growth. This will rise again in 2019 by a further 7% to 2.6 million, with the airport serving over 50 routes across the UK, continental Europe and the east coast of the USA.”
Cork Airport is hosting over 30 school and adult choirs — gospel, traditional and orchestral — to get people into the festive mood throughout December.
Kevin added: “This time of year is so special, and with the help of the choirs, our thousands of passengers will be treated to a wonderful festive atmosphere as they travel through Cork Airport to be with loved ones this Christmas and New Year.
“This is an incredibly busy time of the year at Cork Airport and for all operations to run smoothly we would advise those travelling out of the airport to arrive at least 90 minutes prior to their flight to avoid any unnecessary delays and to go straight to the security screening areas once checked in. We also advise those travelling overseas to not place wrapped gifts in hand luggage, as they may be opened at the passenger security screening area. For those wishing to greet passengers at arrivals, 15 minutes free parking is available in the short-term multi-storey car park and the forecourt is strictly a set-down area only.”
Top tips for travelling through Cork Airport this Christmas:
- Make sure you allow plenty of time to travel to the airport, to check-in and go through security, particularly in the event of any severe weather.
- Always check with your airline the status of your flight in advance.
- Make sure you’re prepared for hand baggage security checks. Avoid taking wrapped presents in hand luggage, and toy weapons, Christmas crackers and party poppers aren’t permitted. Jams and preserves must comply with the 100ml liquid rules.
- Arriving passengers should check onward travel connections as public transport services may be reduced over the Christmas holidays.
