Cork Airport Expects 62,000 Passengers as Jazz Festival Takes Centre Stage

Cork Airport is preparing for its busiest October Bank Holiday weekend in years, with 62,000 passengers expected to pass through the terminal as the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival draws music lovers from across the globe.

Passenger numbers for the long weekend are up 12% compared to the same period in 2024, with Friday, 24 October set to be the busiest day. As the international gateway to the festival, now in its 47th year, the airport will welcome tens of thousands of visitors arriving to enjoy an event worth over €45 million to Cork's economy.

This year's festival features over 500 musicians performing at 100 events across 80 venues throughout the city and county. The celebration begins the moment passengers arrive, with live performances scheduled in the airport's arrivals area as part of the festival's "Big Fringe" programme. Chaupiques Brass Band, TBL8 Brass Band and local favourites Rebel Brass will greet travellers with music as soon as they touch down.

Cork Airport has been a proud partner of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival throughout its history, supporting the event through the airport's Community Fund. Over the past 47 years, the airport has served as the arrival point for countless renowned artists and performers from around the world.

The October Bank Holiday weekend also marks the start of Cork Airport's winter schedule. Between November 2025 and March 2026, over 1.4 million seats will be available to destinations across the UK, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, The Netherlands and Türkiye. This represents an increase of more than 65,000 seats compared to last winter.

Niall MacCarthy, Cork Airport's Managing Director, said:

"Shorter days and longer nights are upon us as we move in to Halloween and Cork Jazz season. It's a really special time of the year here in Cork and no less in the airport where the craic and the music are carried into the terminal with live performances. 62,000 passengers will get to enjoy the ease (and the craic) traveling through Cork Airport this October Bank Holiday weekend."

Passengers travelling this weekend are advised to arrive at Cork Airport 90 minutes before their scheduled departure time. Those flying on Sunday, 26 October should note that the clocks fall back one hour early on Sunday morning as daylight saving time ends.