New screening technology to be installed in Cork Airport in 2026

New screening technology in Dublin Airport and at a number of other airports in Europe won’t be installed in Cork until late 2026, an airport spokesperson has confirmed.

The spokesperson told The Echo that in line with many airports across Europe, Cork Airport will introduce new security screening technology which eliminates the requirement to remove liquids, gels, pastes, and large electronic items from hand luggage/cabin baggage.

“The new screening technology, also referred to as C3, will be installed after a programme of civil works within the terminal building. Those civil works will provide an increased floorplan to accommodate the new security screening technology.

“The project is currently in the design and procurement phase, and we anticipate that these civil works will commence in summer 2025, with the installation of the new security screening technology commencing in late 2026,” the spokesperson said.

It comes as daa CEO Kenny Jacobs revealed that Cork is the fastest growing airport in Ireland, with record breaking figures for September and new routes announced this week.

Cork Airport’s strong 2024 continued last month as it welcomed a record 295,000 passengers — a 14% increase on September 2023.

Eighty-four per cent of passengers were through security in less than 15 minutes and 96% in less than 20, with an average bag return time of 12 minutes and 71% on-time departures — with Cork Airport beating Dublin on all four metrics.

Two new winter routes were announced by Ryanair on Tuesday, Brussels Charleroi and Rome Ciampino.

The strong performance means Cork Airport remains on track to break through the three million passenger level before the end of the year.

Commenting, Mr Jacobs said growth at Cork Airport “continues on a very healthy and a very strong trajectory”.

“Cork is the fastest growing airport in the state and that is exemplified with 14% more passengers travelling to and from the airport during September compared with September last year.

“I know that the team in Cork are working incredibly hard to secure new and additional services,” he said, mentioning the two new routes announced and adding, “I expect that there will be further good news from Cork as the months progress.

“Cork Airport has the fullest of support from daa Group.”