Cork Airport takes off in passenger numbers

Cork International Airport is on course to cater for three million passengers this year.

That was the prediction today from airport marketing manager Kevin Cullinane who disclosed that the numbers that used the facility during January increased by 26.5% over the same month last year. This amounted to an additional 40,000 passengers.

Domestic traffic also performed strongly during the first month of the new year, with passenger figures up 69% on the same month last year. The figures were extremely encouraging for Ryanair and Aer Arann, both providing a daily Cork-Dublin service.

January passenger traffic to the UK also increased significantly on the same month last year, with London traffic up 22%, and overall UK traffic showing an increase of just under 10%.

European passenger traffic, in particular, grew significantly during January, with figures up 34% on the same month last year.

Kevin said the addition of new Aer Arann routes to Jersey and Angers in the Loire Valley later in the year will contribute significantly to ensuring the airport catered for three million passengers in 2006.

The airport was well geared to increased demand with the new terminal due to begin operating in May. It will have the most modern facilities in the world.

The services would begin on May 2 with the Cork-Jersey service operating weekly. The Cork-Angers service would operate three days a week.

The airport now served over 50 destinations between winter and summer schedules.

Both services will operate on a 66 seater ATR72 aircraft. Further information and booking details are available at aerarann.com.

Passengers are reminded that Jet2.com currently operates a direct service to Newcastle. Flights start from as little as 14 one-way, inclusive of taxes. Further information and booking details are available at Jet2.com.

Malev Hungarian Airlines currently operate a Cork/Budapest service four times a week. Further information and booking details are available at .malev.com.

Passengers should note that Ryanair operates a strict check-in procedure on all flights, with check-in desks closing 40 minutes prior to take-off.

Passengers must also be prepared to produce photo ID for inspection.