Cork Airport Hits Two Million Passengers a Month Earlier Than Last Year
The Deasy family from Rochestown became Cork Airport's 2 millionth passengers of 2025. 74k flying this bank holiday!
Cork Airport celebrated its two millionth passenger of 2025 yesterday, marking the milestone a full month earlier than in 2024 as Ireland's fastest-growing airport prepares for its busiest year in 64 years.
Benvon Deasy from Rochestown became the lucky two millionth traveller as she departed for Cape Town via London Heathrow with her husband Killian and daughters Síofra, Aoibhe and Laoise. Airport management surprised the family with a special gift before their Aer Lingus flight, recognising a significant achievement in what promises to be a record-breaking year.
The timing couldn't be better for the Rebel County's gateway, with 74,000 passengers expected to pass through over the August Bank Holiday weekend alone: a 14% surge compared to last year. Sunday, 3 August, is set to be the busiest day as tens of thousands of international visitors arrive for a packed calendar of southern festivals.
Cork Pride Festival, All Together Now music festival, and Waterford's Spraoi International Street Arts Festival are drawing crowds this weekend, with Cork on a Fork Fest, Kilkenny Arts Festival, and Kerry's famous Puck Fair keeping the momentum going through August.
Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport, said:
"We were delighted to accept the award of Europe's Best Regional Airport this year from our industry representative body, ACI Europe. The numbers of passengers using our airport this August Bank Holiday weekend is testament to the customer service delivered by our team every day, making travel easier and friendlier."
The airport's 15% year-on-year growth reflects successful marketing campaigns that have attracted more passengers from South Leinster and the Midlands, with travellers from Laois, Kilkenny, Carlow and Wexford increasingly choosing Cork over Dublin for their flights.
For those planning to join the bank holiday exodus, Cork Airport recommends arriving 90 minutes before departure, using self-service bag drop kiosks where available, and remembering the 100ml liquid rule for hand luggage. Live music in the terminal promises to add a festive atmosphere to the weekend rush.
With passenger numbers expected to exceed 3.4 million by year's end and a €200 million development programme underway to support growth beyond 5 million annual passengers, Cork Airport is cementing its position as the South of Ireland's premier international gateway.
The airport's sustainability credentials add another feather to its cap, having been named the best-performing commercial semi-state body for energy reduction by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland for two consecutive years.
