Cork Airport Takes Top European Honours for Third Time

Ireland's fastest-growing airport has been crowned "Best Airport in Europe" serving under 5 million passengers at the prestigious ACI EUROPE Best Airport Awards 2025, marking the third time Cork Airport has claimed the coveted title.

The award was presented during the Airport Council International EUROPE Annual Congress and General Assembly in Athens on 19 June, recognising Cork Airport's excellence in passenger experience, operational efficiency, route development, sustainability and innovation. The airport previously won the accolade in 2017 and 2019.

Olivier Jankovec, ACI Europe Director General, praised the achievement:

"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."

Cork Airport continues its impressive growth trajectory, experiencing 14% passenger growth year to date and welcoming 3.2 million passengers in 2024, representing 10% growth compared to 2023. The airport is on track to exceed 3.4 million passengers in 2025.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin congratulated the airport team:

"This is a prestigious honour for Cork Airport to once again be recognised as Europe's best regional airport. It is clear that Cork Airport is going from strength-to-strength every year and this award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of Niall MacCarthy and all his team there."

This year has seen significant expansion with four new routes added to Corfu, Izmir, Bilbao, and Bordeaux, alongside new airline partner SunExpress joining the airport's network.

Niall MacCarthy, Cork Airport's Managing Director, emphasised the team effort behind the success:

"This award is 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. 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."

The recognition comes as Cork Airport prepares for major infrastructure development. In May 2025, An Taoiseach announced a €200 million investment by daa Group to expand facilities, including a new mezzanine floor, expanded security area, larger duty-free shop, additional car park spaces, more boarding gates, new aircraft stands, and a new pier to accommodate growth beyond 5 million passengers.

Kenny Jacobs, daa CEO, celebrated the achievement:

"We're absolutely thrilled to see Cork Airport named Europe's best regional airport again. It's a huge recognition of the brilliant team on the ground who deliver for passengers every single day. This award's not just for the airport, it's for Cork, for Munster, and for Ireland."

Cork Airport has also been recognised for sustainability efforts, being named "Best Performing Commercial Semi-State Body" for energy reduction for two consecutive years by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.