Cork Airport Celebrates Three Million Passengers Nearly Two Months Early

Cork Airport has reached its three millionth passenger of 2025 almost two months ahead of last year's milestone, cementing its position as Europe's Best Regional Airport and Ireland's fastest-growing aviation hub for the second consecutive year.

Hannah Davison made history yesterday as she became Cork Airport's three millionth passenger of 2025, arriving from London Gatwick on Ryanair flight FR7722 with her children Joshua and Emily. The Gatwick service touched down shortly after 12:30, marking a significant milestone for the South of Ireland's premier international gateway.

The achievement comes nearly two months earlier than the same milestone last year, which was reached on 20 December 2024. With passenger traffic up 14% in the year to date, 2025 is set to become the busiest year in the airport's 64-year history, with over 3.4 million passengers expected by year's end.

Hannah, who was travelling to Cork to visit family, received a warm welcome from airport management and was presented with a luxury hamper and a bottle of champagne from Cork Airport Duty Free to celebrate her one-in-three-million moment.

The sustained growth reflects Cork Airport's expanding appeal beyond its traditional Munster catchment area, now attracting passengers from counties including Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford, and Kildare. Earlier this year, Airports Council International (ACI) Europe named Cork Airport as Europe's Best Regional Airport in a category of over 400 airports, recognising its efforts in promoting inbound tourism, expanding route networks, and commitment to sustainable business practices.

Kenny Jacobs, daa CEO, said:

"When Cork Airport celebrated its three millionth passenger of 2024 in December of last year, I said that Cork Airport will experience an even better year in 2025. That prediction has certainly come to fruition with passenger numbers crossing the three million mark almost two months earlier than last year! As Europe's Best Regional Airport, it's very clear why Cork Airport is experiencing such success. With no less than six new routes added this year, welcoming a new airline partner and delivering consistently high customer satisfaction ratings, more and more customers from across the South of Ireland are discovering the joy of flying from Cork. Well done to all the team at Cork Airport!"

Roy O'Driscoll, Deputy Managing Director at Cork Airport, said:

"On behalf of all the team at Cork Airport, I'd like to congratulate Hannah on being the three millionth passenger of 2025. It's a momentous milestone for all at Cork Airport, who day in and day out, go to great lengths to ensure that each of our passengers has an enjoyable airport experience, whether that be arriving or departing. We're keenly aware of the airport's importance in providing vital connectivity to the region and over the next number of years, all our passengers will see the many improvements we are making to the airport as part of our €200 million capital development plan."

The year has seen substantial growth across key markets, with passenger numbers to and from the UK up 13%, Germany up 51%, Spain up 34%, and Switzerland up 21%. Six new routes have been added to the network, including services to Bilbao, Bordeaux, Izmir, and Prague, with a Geneva service operated by Aer Lingus set to launch on 20 December.

Independent market research by RED C shows passengers rank their Cork Airport experience highly, praising conveniently located car parks, swift security processing, friendly staff, excellent shopping and dining options, and modern facilities. The airport contributes over €1 billion in gross value added to the Irish economy and supports over 12,500 jobs, both directly and indirectly.

Cork Airport's winter schedule, which commenced last weekend, offers over 1.4 million seats between now and March 2026 across more than 50 routes to the UK and continental Europe.