Cork Airport has achieved its busiest year on record with 3.46 million passengers passing through the facility in 2025, representing a 13% increase over the previous year. The milestone marks the third consecutive year of passenger growth exceeding 10%, cementing the airport’s position as a vital transportation hub for southern Ireland.
The long-term growth trajectory is equally impressive. Passenger numbers at Cork Airport have increased by 67% compared to 2015, demonstrating sustained expansion over the past decade. The growth reflects both increased demand for air travel and the airport’s success in attracting new routes and carriers.
UK destinations showed particularly strong performance. Passenger numbers to Bristol increased 37%, Liverpool saw growth of 31%, and Manchester recorded a 27% rise. These routes remain among the most popular for Cork travelers, serving both business and leisure markets.
European destinations beyond the UK also experienced substantial growth. Germany saw the most dramatic increase with passenger numbers rising 61%, while Belgium grew 29% and Switzerland 27%. Southern European holiday destinations remained popular, with Spain recording a 32% increase and Portugal up 20%.
The launch of several new routes in 2025 contributed significantly to passenger growth. New services to Bilbao, Bordeaux, Izmir, Prague, and Geneva expanded Cork’s connectivity to European cities. Looking ahead to 2026, the airport expects to introduce additional routes to Nice, Santiago de Compostela, and Antalya, further diversifying its destination network.
Cork Airport’s excellence was recognized internationally when Airports Council International Europe named it the best airport in Europe with fewer than 5 million passengers in 2025. This represents the third time Cork has received this prestigious award, highlighting consistent high-quality service and passenger satisfaction.
The airport is also advancing its sustainability agenda. Plans are underway to construct Ireland’s largest solar carport in 2026, which will generate 20% of the airport’s electricity needs from solar energy. This initiative aligns with broader environmental commitments and demonstrates Cork Airport’s leadership in sustainable aviation infrastructure.
The record-breaking passenger numbers and continued expansion position Cork Airport as a success story in Irish aviation, offering growing connectivity for the Munster region while maintaining award-winning service standards and pursuing environmental sustainability.