Cork Airport is gearing up for one of the busiest times of year as it gets set to welcome over 100,000 passengers on 700 flights this festive season. The terminal has been given a seasonal makeover to ensure that those arriving at Cork Airport are greeted with a traditional festive welcome.

Speaking ahead of the holiday season, Kevin Cullinane, Head of Communications at Cork Airport said: “Christmas is the most exciting and special time of year at the airport. It’s magical to see so many people welcoming family and friends home or to see the excitement for those travelling abroad to be reunited with loved ones.”

Mr. Cullinane added: “Arrival and departure times for all our services can be checked on our website or live flight tracking on our App, so that you can arrive to collect loved ones in plenty of time or to ensure you have ample time to get through to your departure gates.

“It’s important to note that if anyone is collecting arriving passengers, there is free parking in the Multi-Storey for 15 minutes and the forecourt should only be used to drop off departing passengers.”

Mr Cullinane also had some advice for passengers ahead of travelling. He said: “Each year, passengers arrive at security with gifts already beautifully wrapped. We would ask that passengers don’t bring wrapped presents through the airport as hand luggage as they may need to be inspected by Airport Security and the wrapping may have to be removed.  We would also remind passengers that Christmas crackers are not allowed on flights so please don’t bring them as they will have to be left behind.”

It is expected that Saturday, December 19 will be the busiest day prior to Christmas with a total capacity of 7,500 seats available. The busiest arrivals period will be 10:00 – 12:00 and the busiest departures period will be 06:00 – 08:00.
 
Saturday, January 2, 2016 will be the busiest day after Christmas with a total capacity of 7,900 seats available. The busiest departures period will be 06:00 – 08:00 and the busiest arrivals period will be between 10:00 – 12:00.

2015 has been a fantastic year for Cork Airport with the announcement of 12 new routes from Munster’s favourite airport. The most recent announcements were to Southampton and Leeds Bradford with Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Stobart Air. 

Other routes announced this year include Düsseldorf with Aer Lingus, Cardiff with Flybe, London City, Nantes and La Rochelle with CityJet, Madrid with Iberia Express, Boston, Barcelona and New York with Norwegian Air and Menorca with Lee Travel.

The following are the details of last departing and first arriving flights over Christmas Eve and St. Stephen’s Day.

Christmas Eve:
 
The last departure is EI 724 to London Heathrow at 20:00.
The last arrival is the EI 725 from London Heathrow at 23:15.
 
Christmas Day:
 
Cork Airport will close from 23:45 on December 24, 2014 until 05:00 on December 26, 2014.
 
St. Stephen’s Day:
 
The first arriving flight is EI 3721 from Manchester at 10:30.
The first departure is EI 840 to Amsterdam at 06:00.

Cork Airport management and staff wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.