Cork Airport ready to welcome 145,000 passengers on their Christmas journeys

Cork Airport is preparing for the festive season ahead and anticipating catering for 145,000 passengers arriving in and departing from Cork for the Christmas and New Year holiday period. That’s up 4 percent from last year.

Speaking ahead of the busiest time of the year, Cork Airport’s Head of Communications, Kevin Cullinane said: “Although this time of year is exceptionally busy at Cork Airport, it is very special to know that we play a critical role in getting everyone home for Christmas. This will be Cork Airport’s first year of direct transatlantic homecomings and having already witnessed a sell-out Thanksgiving holiday weekend, this is something everyone at Cork Airport takes pride in.

“With this busy time comes the need for exceptional excellence in logistics, operations and communications to ensure the best possible customer experience for our passengers and their loved ones at Christmas.”

The girls from Scoil Chlochair Mhuire’s Primary School did a fantastic job today @corkairport singing beautiful Christmas Carols for all our passengers. Well done girls you were fantastic. #corkairport #flyfriendly #christmas2017 #christmascarolsspectacular #festivecheer #welcomehome #itsthemostwonderfultimeoftheyear #tistheseasontobejolly #music #singing #choir #christmaschoir

A post shared by Cork Airport (@corkairport) on Dec 5, 2017 at 9:30am PST

As a result of consistent growth and route development across the UK, Europe and North America, almost 10,000 more seats are available this Christmas holiday period compared to last year.

Kevin has some advice for passengers ahead of making their Christmas journeys.

“Arrival and departure times for all flights can be checked on our website, our free App, or AERTEL, so that you can arrive and collect loved ones in plenty of time. For those flying this Christmas and New Year holiday period, we advise being at Cork Airport at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time to ensure you have ample time to get through to your departure gate and pick up any last-minute gifts for yourself or loved ones in The Loop. I would also remind anyone dropping off or collecting people from Cork Airport that there is 15 minutes free parking in our multi-storey carpark and that the forecourt is for dropping off passengers only.”

Such a lovely moment this morning @corkairport when Sophie arrived back from Thailand after 6 months on her birthday and the fantastic children from Gaelscoil Carrig Uí Leighin who were here singing Christmas Carols sang Happy Birthday to welcome her home. They also sang a verse as gaeilge, such a lovely gel good moment. #corkairport #airportmoments #happybirthday #christmastime #itsthemostwonderfultimeoftheyear #airportarrivals #gaelscoil #carrigaline

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The busiest days for arrivals is anticipated to be December 17, 21 and 22, with over 10,000 inbound passengers expected over these days. The busiest days for departures will be December 28, 29 and 30.

This year has been a historic year for Cork Airport, with the airport’s first direct transatlantic flight departing in July, as well as four other inaugural routes to Verona, Zurich, Newquay and Reykjavik. Cork Airport was also named the Best Airport in its class by ACI Europe this year.

Reflecting on 2017, Kevin said: “This has truly been an historic year for Cork Airport and we look forward to continuing the growth momentum we have enjoyed over the past two years into 2018 and beyond.”