Cork Airport primed for transatlantic flights if Ireland reach World Cup

Direct services to the American continent could take fans to the World Cup if there is interest from airlines

Cork Airport is exploring long-haul travel as part of its growth strategy to 5m passengers annually, with Boston, New York, and Toronto target destinations.

Cork Airport is primed for charter planes to bring football fans on direct long-haul flights to the World Cup in Mexico and the US if Ireland can negotiate the play-offs and reach the summer showpiece.

The airport, which is driving on with a €200m capital investment programme, is exploring long-haul travel as part of its growth strategy to 5m passengers annually, with Boston, New York, and Toronto target destinations for a permanent transatlantic service.