Tuesday, 3rd March 2015
- New destination from Cork Airport shows that clear potential for growth and expansion exists.
- CSA Czech Airlines to begin twice weekly direct flights from Cork to Ibiza.
The decision by Czech Airlines to add twice weekly direct flights to a new destination is welcome news for Cork Airport. It shows that clear potential for growth and expansion exists at Cork Airport. In other positive developments at the airport further announcements are expected this year, the team at Cork Airport, led by Niall MacCarthy, deserve to be congratulated for their efforts in securing this new route.
While there has been a decline in passenger numbers at Cork Airport it remains our country’s second busiest airport. Passengers flying from Cork Airport have a choice of 42 scheduled destinations, which will increase with the new announcement, this compares to only 29 destinations available from Shannon. For people travelling to and from the South of the country Cork offers more routes and more options when it comes to fights. This reality needs to be broadcast; the benefits of using Cork Airport need to marketed and promoted here at home and overseas.
We are all concerned about the future of the airport and we must work to put in place structures and supports that will enable the airport to be properly marketed and promoted. We need a far-reaching plan to reverse the recent trend of falling passenger numbers, and all funding options should be considered. An integrated and properly resourced tourism structure that focusses on growing inbound tourism is needed; this would be a great benefit to the efforts to market the airport. This must involve clear accountability and targets, working with stakeholders such as the airport and hotels. I have written to the Minister for Transport, Paschal Donohoe, requesting a meeting to discuss these issues that are critical to the future of Cork Airport.
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