Historic project will see the old terminal demolished to make way for a brand-new pier set to take airport’s soaring fortunes even higher
€200 million will be invested by the DAA in the airport as part of a new development plan, as it aims to surpass five million passengers using the facility every year in the near future. Cork Airport contributes over €1 billion to the Irish economy, directly and indirectly, and employs over 12,000 people.
However, for some the new plans will signal the end of an era, as the airport’s much-loved old terminal, with its fountain and glass elevator, is set for demolition, to make way for a brand-new pier, further increasing the airport’s handling capacity, set to be built by 2032.
The brand-new plans show a confidence that the airport will continue its unheralded growth, with passenger numbers up 50% in the last decade, and which Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien says plays “a crucial role…for our connectivity and economic prosperity.”
The first major change will be the construction of a new mezzanine floor, in which a brand-new security system will be rolled out, bringing a much-requested change for passengers departing from the country’s fastest growing airport.
The new system, estimated to be in place by December of next year, will now eliminate the need to remove liquids, gels, pastes and large electronic items from passengers’ cabin baggage. The new security area will also incorporate a new fast-track lane, while a new executive lounge is set to be built, with a larger capacity than the current facility.
“Today is a momentous day for Cork Airport with the launch of an ambitious Capital Development Plan which emphasises the importance of the airport to both the regional and national economy,” said Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who was on-hand to launch the plans.
“Cork Airport has become a critical component of our national transport infrastructure and as Ireland’s fastest growing airport, its continued development is paramount. I have no doubt that the benefits of this plan will only bring further growth to what is already a thriving airport.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Sinn Féin’s Donnchadh O’Laoghaire shaking hands at the launch
An additional 630 parking spaces in the Holiday Blue car park are expected to be in place by July 2026, while plans are also in place for the future expansion of the Express Red car park also. By the third quarter of next year, the Dublin Airport Authority plans to refurbish a current cargo building into another passenger area, enabling two more passenger gates to be opened.
“With Project Ireland 2040, we’re expecting a big population boost in the southern region. Cork’s ambition of becoming a major European city of size and scale is a key part of this plan,” said DAA CEO, Kenny Jacobs.
“DAA’s €200m Capital Development Plan is set to keep Cork Airport serving the south of Ireland, both economically and socially, making it a crucial part of the region’s infrastructure. We’re super proud of Cork Airport at DAA and we’re all in on this exciting journey to help the airport and the region grow and develop into the future.”
A new solar farm on the site of the existing Holiday Blue car park is due to be in place by August of next year, while the major change is set to come in 2032, when the old terminal and old control tower will be demolished, allowing for the construction of a new pier, bringing even more boarding gates and more capacity, as the airport broke the 4 million passenger mark for the first time in its history last year.
The plan kicks into action as early as this summer, as passengers will be able to see the first “shovel-ready” elements of the plan commencing, with work starting on the construction of the new mezzanine floor, to extend over the existing arrivals area, and the delivery of a new oversized baggage security facility.
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