Passenger numbers using Cork Airport grow by 4%

Airport managing director says Cork has ‘Brexit-proofed’ business by diversifying into new routes

Norwegian Air International began flying from Cork to Providence, Rhode Island, in July, the airport’s first transatlantic route
Norwegian Air International began flying from Cork to Providence, Rhode Island, in July, the airport’s first transatlantic route

Passenger numbers at Cork Airport grew 4 per cent to 152,000 in November, figures released on Tuesday show. The airport said numbers flying into and out of Cork last month increased to 152,000 from 146,000 during November 2016.

Cork Airport said the numbers were significant considering Central Statistics Office figures showing a 6 per cent decline in British visitors and an increase of 16.4 per cent in those from North America between January and October.

Managing director Niall McCarthy said Cork Airport had "Brexit-proofed" its business by diversifying into routes to Europe and the US against a background of uncertainty in its nearest overseas market.

"Cork Airport passenger numbers have consistently grown this year by 4 per cent and not by coincidence," he said."With the launch of Cork's first year-round transatlantic route this summer with Norwegian, as well as significant European additions with new airline partners in Swiss, Iberia Express and Volotea, Cork Airport is actively pursuing growth," said Mr McCarthy.

Norwegian Air International began flying from Cork to Providence, Rhode Island, in July, the airport's first transatlantic route.

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Barry O'Halloran

Barry O'Halloran

Barry O’Halloran covers energy, construction, insolvency, and gaming and betting, among other areas