Cork Airport marked a double milestone this week, surpassing two million passengers in 2026 while celebrating the 20th anniversary of its terminal building, which opened on August 1, 2006.
Cork Airport Managing Director Niall MacCarthy, said “It’s twenty years since we opened our “new” terminal and all of our staff are very proud of that terminal. It retains its modern feel and is still as easy, clean and well-maintained as the day it was opened. Ultimately, buildings are buildings and they don’t function without excellent staff providing friendly, efficient services every day. I’m really proud to say that the experience at Cork Airport is even better, now than it was twenty years ago and will get better again as we open our new mezzanine floor and other enhancements in the months ahead. Happy birthday, Cork Airport terminal!”
The airport reached the two-million-passenger mark over the August Bank Holiday weekend, handling around 72,000 arriving and departing passengers. The milestone came just four days later than in 2025.
Since opening two decades ago, the terminal has handled more than 47 million passengers.
The anniversary comes as Cork Airport embarks on its largest capital investment programme since the terminal was built. A new mezzanine level and upgraded security screening area are due to open later this year, with additional boarding gates and a new pier planned as part of a long-term expansion strategy aimed at increasing capacity to more than five million passengers annually.
Image Credit: Cork Airport
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