The Cork Business Travel Survey 2024 reveals that New York is the most desired future route for Cork Airport users, with 48pc of respondents favouring it, alongside significant interest in key European cities, particularly Geneva.
The survey demonstrates that 50pc of respondents conduct most business with the Americas, while London remains the most utilised route from Cork Airport, with Heathrow and Amsterdam-Schiphol as preferred hubs.
Respondents emphasised the importance of direct connectivity to Cork, with 84pc considering it crucial for colleagues traveling from abroad, highlighting the airport’s role in supporting both business travel and inbound tourism.
Cork Airport received high ratings for ease of use and customer service, and its management aims to enhance services and connectivity in response to the survey, with plans for increased routes, including a new Glasgow service.
Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber, shared: “Business travel and inbound tourism have both made healthy recoveries from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic; now is the time to reassess the needs and priorities of business and leisure travellers in a changed world. Cork enjoys good connectivity to major international hubs currently, which has proved vital for businesses in the region. Growing outbound connectivity to key destinations across Europe is critical for the region’s future economic growth, as is direct connectivity into Cork for businesses operating here.
Many businesses indicate that connections with the USA would be game-changing, not merely from a business perspective alone, but also with a view to increasing inbound tourism.”
Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport, shared: “Cork Airport is continuously seeking to enhance its offering. A four-times weekly service to Glasgow has been added to the winter schedule since the survey closed. The survey results published provide valuable insights as we set a course for the airport’s future strategy and development. Cork Airport welcomed a record 340,705 passengers in August, and was the fastest growing of the three state airports in 2024 so far. Direct connectivity into Cork and the south of Ireland is a clear priority for businesses and leisure travellers alike, as is the ease of use and excellent customer service offered by Cork Airport in comparison to other locations.”
