Cork Airport is the toast of European regional airports having recently been named the “Best Airport in Europe (under 5 million passengers)” at the prestigious Airport Council International (ACI) EUROPE Best Airport Awards 2025, held during the aviation trade associations’ Annual Congress & General Assembly in Athens.
Celebrating and acknowledging Cork Airport’s continued excellence in passenger experience, operational efficiency, route development, sustainability and innovation, the award is a significant accolade for Ireland’s fastest-growing airport, as it is the third time that Cork Airport has won the title, previously having won it in 2017 and 2019.
In 2024, Cork Airport welcomed 3.2 million passengers representing 10% growth versus 2023, and this year, the airport is on track for even further growth to beyond 3.4 million passengers. Four new routes to Corfu, Izmir, Bilbao, and Bordeaux have been added to the extensive route network this year, as well as a new airline partner, SunExpress.
AMBITIOUS GOALS
Olivier Jankovec, ACI Europe Director General praised Cork Airport at the awards on June 19th.
“We are delighted that Cork Airport has won the Best European Airport in the under 5 million passengers category this year. This recognition is thoroughly deserved. The airport team has worked tirelessly to enhance operational efficiency, offer exceptional passenger experience, and deliver on ambitious environmental and sustainability goals. Their success is clearly reflected in increased air connectivity and passenger numbers which means a growing contribution from the airport to the regional economy, tourism and competitiveness.”
Niall MacCarthy, Cork Airport’s Managing Director said the award was a fantastic endorsement of ‘the incredible people who make Cork Airport what it is’.
“From our frontline teams to those behind-the-scenes, and everyone in between,” he said. “It’s also a reflection of the strong partnerships we’ve built with all our stakeholders, and the loyalty of our passengers who continue to choose Cork Airport. We’re immensely proud to win this award for the third time and we’re committed to continuing to grow our contribution to the South of Ireland.”
Cork Airport is leading the way on sustainability and has been named as the “Best Performing Commercial Semi-State Body” for energy reduction for two years running, as assessed by SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland).
In May 2025, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced a €200 million investment by daa Group in the development of infrastructure at Ireland’s fastest-growing airport. The capital development plan includes a new mezzanine floor for an expanded security area, larger duty-free shop, bigger executive lounge, additional car park spaces, more boarding gates, new aircraft stands, and a new pier – all designed to facilitate growth up to and beyond 5 million passengers.
In congratulating Cork Airport, An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin said he looked forward to the airport continuing to flourish with plans for future development planned, extending congratulations to Niall MacCarthy and all his team, a reflection of their ‘hard work and dedication’.
daa CEO Kenny Jacobs, also congratulating the team at Cork Airport.
