Cork Airport has been named the “Best Airport in Europe (under 5 million passengers)” at the Airport Council International (ACI) EUROPE Best Airport Awards 2025.
This is Cork Airport’s third time to win the award, having won it previously in 2017 and 2019.
Cork Airport, the country’s fastest-growing airport, said the award celebrates and acknowledges its continued excellence in passenger experience, operational efficiency, route development, sustainability and innovation.
Cork Airport saw 3.2 million passengers last year, an increase of 10% on 2023. The airport is on track for even further growth to more than 3.4 million passengers this year.
Four new routes to Corfu, Izmir, Bilbao, and Bordeaux have been added to its route network this year, as well as a new airline partner, SunExpress.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin last month announced a €200m investment by daa Group in the development of infrastructure at Cork Airport.
The Capital Development Plan includes a new mezzanine floor for an expanded security area, larger duty-free shop, bigger executive lounge, additional car park spaces, more boarding gates, new aircraft stands, and a new pier.
Niall MacCarthy, Cork Airport’s Managing Director, said the award is a fantastic endorsement of the incredible people who make Cork Airport what it is – from its 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,” he added.
Kenny Jacobs, daa CEO, said the award is 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. We have big plans for Cork, and this is a great boost,” he added.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said 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.
“I look forward to seeing Cork Airport continue to flourish as Ireland’s fastest growing airport,” Mr Martin added.
