Cork Airport best in Europe for third time

Cork Airport has been named the Best Airport in Europe (under 5m passengers) for a third year at the Airport Council International (ACI) EUROPE Best Airport Awards 2025.

The award is a significant accolade for Ireland’s fastest-growing airport, as it is the third time that Cork Airport has won the award — having won it previously in 2017 and 2019.

The award celebrates and acknowledges the airport’s continued excellence in passenger experience, operational efficiency, route development, sustainability and innovation.

In 2024, Cork Airport welcomed 3.2 million passengers representing 10% growth versus 2023, and this year, the airport is on track for even further growth to beyond 3.4 million passengers. Four new routes to Corfu, Izmir, Bilbao, and Bordeaux have been added to the extensive route network this year, as well as a new airline partner, SunExpress.

In addition, Cork Airport is leading the way on sustainability and has been named as the Best Performing Commercial Semi-State Body for energy reduction for two years running, as assessed by the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland).

Niall MacCarthy, Cork Airport’s managing director, added: 

“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.”

In May, 2025, Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced a €200m investment by daa in the development of infrastructure at Ireland’s fastest-growing airport. The 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 — all designed to facilitate growth up to and beyond five million passengers.

The Taoiseach, congratulating Cork Airport on winning ACI EUROPE’s Best Regional Airport award, said: “It is clear the Airport is going from strength-to-strength and this award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of Niall MacCarthy and all his team there.”

Kenny Jacobs, DAA CEO, said: “This award’s not just for the airport — it’s for Cork, for Munster, and for Ireland. We have big plans for Cork.”