Cork-New York flights high on chamber’s wish list

Results of a survey conducted by Cork Chamber in co-operation with Cork Airport has revealed that New York and key European cities are top of the wish list of businesses in Cork for future connectivity.

The Cork Business Travel Survey 2024 provides key insights into the priorities of business travellers and airport users in Cork, as well as their most wanted destinations for future connectivity.

It revealed that New York is the most sought-after future route for users of Cork Airport, cited by 48% of respondents as their preferred US destination.

Meanwhile, Geneva emerged as the preferred European destination among respondents to the survey.

The survey also found that London is the most utilised route from Cork Airport at present (40%), with Heathrow emerging as the preferred hub for travellers from Cork (29%), followed closely by Amsterdam-Schiphol (27%).

Some 84% of respondents stated that direct connectivity into Cork was important for colleagues travelling from overseas.

Welcoming the publication of the survey results, CEO of Cork Chamber Conor Healy said: “The results of this year’s Cork Business Travel Survey demonstrate the ongoing importance of regional connectivity to businesses operating in Cork and across Ireland’s southern region.

“Cork enjoys good connectivity to major international hubs currently, which has proved vital for businesses in the region; growing outbound connectivity to key destinations across Europe is critical for the region’s future economic growth, as is direct connectivity into Cork for businesses operating here.”

Cork Airport managing director Niall MacCarthy welcomed the finding that direct connectivity into Cork and the south of Ireland is a priority for businesses and leisure travellers alike, acknowledging that the airport had a record 340,705 passengers in August and was the fastest-growing of the three State airports in 2024 so far.

“The survey results published today provide valuable insights as we set a course for the airport’s future strategy and development,” he said.