Cork Airport has welcomed the publication of the Government’s National Aviation Policy by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD.

Speaking today, Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport said: “The publication of Ireland’s first National Aviation Policy underscores the good work Cork Airport is doing together with our stakeholders to grow traffic and connectivity for our region.

“We welcome the Government’s commitment to work with us to exploit all opportunities for growth and to continue to develop our network of services from Cork Airport, which is the Gateway to South of Ireland. This commitment has already led to some significant new route announcements this year, with new services from Cork to Dusseldorf, London City and Cardiff.

“Cork Airport’s strategic role as a destination gateway to the region for business and tourism is enshrined in the new policy and copper-fastens our unique position as a gateway to both the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East,” he added.

In relation to the issue of the airport’s ownership structure, Mr MacCarthy welcomed the clarity provided by the new policy. “The Minister has reiterated the Government’s position that Cork Airport will remain in public ownership within daa and will continue to be represented on the daa board. The current position will be reviewed in 2019 and will only be amended if it makes financial sense for Cork Airport and for daa, the policy states.”

The new policy states that Cork Airport “has a strategic role in serving the connectivity needs of the city and its hinterland”  and add that the airport, “working with local stakeholders and with the necessary local and hinterland support, is encouraged to exploit all opportunities for growth, and to continue to develop its network of services”.

An independent economic study published earlier this year reinforced the crucial role that Cork Airport plays in the economy of the South of Ireland. The independent study of Cork Airport’s economic impact, found that Cork Airport is fundamental to the growth of the local economy and has key catalytic impacts that contribute directly towards tourism, trade, investment and productivity for the whole of the region.

Cork Airport contributes €727 million to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which equates to 2.2 per cent of the total South West economy. And the airport’s importance to the region is reflected in the fact that it supports or facilitates 10,710 jobs made up of direct, indirect, induced and catalytic employment.  

Cork Airport is the international gateway to the south of Ireland and is uniquely positioned at the start of the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East.  It is the country’s second largest and busiest airport after Dublin and with more choice than any other airport outside of Dublin.

More than 2 million passengers travel through the airport each year, flying to top destinations across the UK and throughout continental Europe. Cork Airport’s customer service (as voted by passengers) has won national and international awards.