Cork Airport wins “Best Airport in Europe” (serving under 5 million passengers)
- The ACI EUROPE Best Airport Awards are widely regarded as the most prestigious and recognised accolades in the airport industry.
- Award recognises the achievements of Ireland’s fastest-growing airport in the areas of operations, route development, sustainability, tourism activation and passenger growth.
- Cork Airport is Ireland’s fastest-growing airport, experiencing 14% passenger growth year to date.
- This year’s award marks the third occasion on which Cork Airport has won Best Airport in Europe (under 5 million passengers) – winning previously in 2017 and 2019.
- Award is testament to the hardworking and dedicated airport teams, who go above and beyond for passengers each day, providing friendly and easy customer service.
Cork Airport is the toast of European regional airports this morning as it was named the “Best Airport in Europe (under 5 million passengers)” at the prestigious Airport Council International (ACI) EUROPE Best Airport Awards 2025, held during the aviation trade associations’ Annual Congress & General Assembly in Athens last night. 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 Cork Airport’s continued excellence in passenger experience, operational efficiency, route development, sustainability and innovation.
Olivier Jankovec, ACI Europe Director General praised Cork Airport by saying: “We are delighted that Cork Airport has won the Best European Airport in the under 5 million passengers category this year. This recognition is thoroughly deserved. The airport team has worked tirelessly to enhance operational efficiency, offer exceptional passenger experience, and deliver on ambitious environmental and sustainability goals. Their success is clearly reflected in increased air connectivity and passenger numbers which means a growing contribution from the airport to the regional economy, tourism and competitiveness.”
An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, congratulating Cork Airport on winning ACI EUROPE’s Best Regional Airport award, said: “This is a prestigious honour for Cork Airport to once again be recognised as Europe’s best regional airport. It is clear that Cork Airport is going from strength-to-strength every year and this award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of Niall MacCarthy and all his team there. I know there are plans to further develop the airport and I look forward to seeing Cork Airport continue to flourish as Ireland’s fastest growing airport.”
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. It’s also a reflection of the strong partnerships we’ve built with all our stakeholders, and the loyalty of our passengers who continue to choose Cork Airport. We’re immensely proud to win this award for the third time and we’re committed to continuing to grow our contribution to the South of Ireland.”
Kenny Jacobs, daa CEO, also congratulating the team at Cork Airport, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to see Cork Airport named Europe’s best regional airport again. It’s a huge recognition of the brilliant team on the ground who deliver for passengers every single day. This award’s not just for the airport – it’s for Cork, for Munster, and for Ireland. We have big plans for Cork, and this is a great boost.”
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 SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland).
In May 2025, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced a €200 million investment by daa Group in the development of infrastructure at Ireland’s fastest-growing airport. The €200 million Capital Development 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 5 million passengers.
