Cork Airport named best in Europe for third time

Cork Airport was named the best airport in Europe, under five million passengers, at the Airport Council International (ACI) Europe Best Airport Awards held in Athens on Thursday night.
It is the third time Cork Airport has won the award, having won it previously in 2017 and 2019. The award acknowledges Cork's excellence in passenger experience, operational efficiency, route development, sustainability and innovation.
"This recognition is thoroughly deserved," Olivier Jankovec, ACI Europe director general, said. "The airport team has worked tirelessly to enhance operational efficiency, offer exceptional passenger experience, and deliver on ambitious environmental and sustainability goals.
Their success is clearly reflected in increased air connectivity and passenger numbers, which means a growing contribution from the airport to the regional economy, tourism and competitiveness.
Last year, Cork Airport saw 10% passenger growth to 3.2 million passengers, forecast to rise this year to 3.4 million passengers.
In May, it announced a €200m investment by Dublin Airport Authority in the development of new infrastructure, including an extended mezzanine floor, larger duty-free shop, bigger executive lounge, additional car park spaces, more boarding gates, new aircraft stands, and a new pier to facilitate growth up to five million passengers.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin congratulated Cork 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."
Niall MacCarthy, Cork Airport's managing director, said: '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.'
Dublin Airport Authority chief executive Kenny Jacobs said the award was a huge recognition of the brilliant team on the ground.
"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 said.
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