Cork Airport (IATA: ORK, ICAO: EICK) or Aerfort Chorcaí in Irish. The airport is one of the three principal international airports in Ireland (Cork, Dublin and Shannon). It is located on the south side of Cork City in an area known as Ballygarvan. A growing number of destinations are available from Cork Airport in Europe, United Kingdom and Domestic. The Polish sector has become particularly busy. In 2006, Cork Airport handled over 3 million passengers , making it the Republic of Ireland's third busiest airport. Aer Lingus base four aircraft at the airport making it an important European hub, and the airport is Aer Arann's busiest base.

In 1957 the Irish Government agreed in principle to the building of an airport for Cork City. After viewing many sites in the area it was agreed that the airport should be built at Ballygarvan. Tenders were invited for the construction of the airport in 1959 at an estimated cost of £1 million. The airport was officially opened on October 16, 1961. However, proving flights by Aer Lingus and Cambrian Airways (later taken over by British Airways) had taken place four days earlier. In its first year the airport handled 10,172 passengers - currently the equivalent to a quiet day at the airport. The average day sees the airport handling 12,450 passengers and on a busy day it can handle up to 15,000 passengers. Throughout the 1960s the airport expanded with more advanced aircraft and more destinations. The first jet, a BOAC Comet, landed at Cork Airport on March 29, 1964. By 1969 Aer Lingus were operating to London Heathrow, Manchester and Bristol.

On August 27, 1970 a unique event occurred. Due to adverse weather conditions at Shannon Airport and Dublin Airport Aer Lingus' transatlantic fleet (three Boeing 707s from New York, Boston and Chicago) were diverted to Cork. In 1972 the Duty Free shop opened for service. In 1975 Aer Rianta undertook a passenger terminal study aimed at improving the terminal facilities. The findings resulted in the provision, over the next couple of years, of new departure and arrival halls, new check-in area and office complex, new information desk, duty office and VIP Lounge. In 1977 a new Duty-free shop was opened, while the following year completed extensions and facilities were officially opened.

The 1980s began with an extension of the main apron being built. New services to London Gatwick began, while Aer Lingus' commuter division started a new internal service to Dublin Airport. In 1985 due to huge growth at the airport Aer Rianta carried out a survey of the terminal facilities with a view to carrying out a major expansion and development programme. On June 8, 1987 Ryanair began a new service at Cork Airport. In 1988 Phase 1 of the Terminal Expansion and Development Plan was completed. The following year the main runway extension of 1000 feet was opened.

The 1990s began with the completion of Phase II of the Terminal expansion in 1991 and Phase III being completed in 1992. The Terminal Expansion and Development Plan was completed in 1994. Duty free sales for travel within the European Union, a substantial income stream, ceased in 1999 but were retained for travellers to final destinations outside the EU.

[Source: Wikipedia]

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