November Sees 7 Percent Surge in Cork Airport Passenger Numbers

November marked a significant increase in passenger traffic at Cork Airport, with a 7% rise compared to the previous year. A total of 214,790 travelers passed through the airport’s gates last month, according to data from airport authority DAA.

Cork and Dublin Airports’ Combined Performance

In November, Cork and Dublin airports collectively served 2.8 million passengers. Notably, November 2 was the busiest day for both airports, driven by families returning from mid-term holidays.

Airline Service Enhancements

• KLM augmented its flight schedule to Amsterdam.
• Aer France extended its Paris services to year-round operations.
• Aer Lingus launched its new route to Prague in late October, which has seen strong uptake.

DAA chief executive Kenny Jacobs highlighted the airport’s successful attraction of new routes, noting the increased services to major European hubs like Amsterdam and Paris. He emphasized that Aer Lingus’ new Prague route is performing well since its introduction.

Infrastructure Developments at Cork Airport

Progress is being made on the ground at Cork Airport, with construction of a new mezzanine floor underway. This facility will house the new passenger security area, enhancing the overall airport experience.

Dublin Airport Insights

Passenger numbers at Dublin Airport rose by 11% in November, exceeding 2.6 million. The airport registered over ten days with more than 100,000 passengers each, a marked increase from just one such day in November 2024.

Future Growth and National Tourism Strategy

Mr. Jacobs noted the persistent demand for flights to and from Ireland as the year concludes. This trend aligns with the newly published National Tourism Strategy, which aims to boost inbound visitor numbers by 15% by 2031.

• Dublin and Cork airports play crucial roles in achieving this growth.
• DAA supports addressing capacity constraints at Dublin Airport.
• Focus on improving direct air connectivity to underserved markets, including Asia and South America.

There is significant demand for direct flights from Dublin to India and Brazil. Addressing the current cap on air traffic is essential for unlocking these opportunities. DAA commended the government for advancing legislation to resolve this issue.

Additionally, the government’s recent action plan aims to accelerate critical infrastructure projects and eliminate barriers to progress in the aviation sector.