• A total of six services (mix of scheduled services and charters) will bring Irish rugby fans to Rome for Ireland’s last Six Nations Championship game vs. Italy.
• Passenger traffic this weekend is 7% higher than the same weekend last year.

The Departures Hall at Cork Airport was a sea of green and white this morning as almost 1,000 rugby fans flew to Rome to see Ireland take on Italy in the final game of the Six Nations Championship at the Stadio Olympico.

Testament to the groundswell of support for the Irish rugby team, six flights are taking fans to Rome with one charter service departing yesterday, plus two charters and three scheduled services departing today. The scheduled services are operated by Ryanair and Aer Lingus, while the charter services are operating on behalf of local travel agents, Lee Travel, Dawson Travel and sports travel specialists, Killester Travel.

This morning, fans had the opportunity to enjoy the hospitality at the newly refurbished CRAFT bar and restaurant, which opened to passengers yesterday - boasting a tasteful new décor, additional seating and a new food menu focusing on local Cork produce.

Commenting, Deputy Manging Director at Cork Airport, Roy O’Driscoll said: “What a fantastic atmosphere at Cork Airport this morning as almost a thousand fans jet off to Rome for Ireland’s last Six Nations game. This week has been an incredibly busy one on the sporting front, with punters heading to Cheltenham throughout the week. The electric atmosphere will continue throughout the weekend with a feast of traditional Irish music and dance on show for arriving passengers.”

While this morning was the busiest day for departures of the St Patrick’s Bank Holiday weekend, Cork Airport advises those travelling over the remainder of the weekend to arrive at the airport in good time to ensure a smooth and hassle-free airport experience. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least 90 minutes before their flight is due to depart.