History

• In 1928 the first move was made to get an air base at Cork with Cork Harbour Commissioners inviting Col. Charles Russell, former Irish Army Corps to address them.
  
• The 1930's saw the trans-Atlantic seaplane service become a reality.
  
• In 1933 a surveyor put forward his ideas for an airport and in 1936 a site was chosen for Cork Airport
  
• When war broke out in 1939 plans for the airport were abandoned
  
• With developments in aviation potential airpiort sites continues to be surveyed and Farmers Cross airfield was officially opened in 1948.
  
• In 1957 the government agreed that Cork Airport should be built at Ballygarvan and the construction costs were estimated at £1 million
  
• The Airport was officially opened in October 1961
  
• Aer Lingus began operating an air car ferry on Cork - Bristol route in 1963
  
• 1964 saw the first jet land at Cork Airport, a BOAC Comet G-APDI operated for Aer Lingus
  
• In 1965 several developments took place, the terminal building was widened, the Control Tower double glazed and VASI lights were installed on the runway.
  
• In the early 1970's Irish Helicopters began operations at Cork. The transfer of state staff to Aer Rianta also began.
  
• 1972 saw the first major development under Aer Rianta with the fire station extended and the Duty Free shop commenced operations.
  
• In 1974 gale force winds caused considerable damage at the airport.
  
• In 1975 Aer Rianta proposed new departure and arrivals halls, new check in areas and office complex, new information desk and a new VIP lounge.
  
• British Airways began scheduled services between Cork and London.
  
• The developments to the terminal were completed in 1978 and opened by Jack Lynch T.D
  
• 1980 saw the main apron extended; Erection of first phase of security fence; Renovations carried out to Cargo Terminal and a new in-flight Catering Kitchen built.
  
• Avair began a commuter service between Cork and Dublin in 1982
  
• In 1985 Aer Rianta proposed more major expansion and development plans due to the increase in passenger numbers.
  
• The airport celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1986
  
• By 1988 Phase I of the expansion was complete with Phase II being completed in 1990.
  
• 1992 saw Phase III of Terminal Expansion and Development Plan completed and officially opened by Máire Geoghan Quinn T.D. Minister for Tourism and Transport and the final Phase IV was opened in 1994.
  
• Two new freight buildings were completed in May 1998. Construction of Airport Business Park began in October.
  
• Passenger traffic reached 1.5 million by the end of 1999
  
• A new Travel Shop was opened in November 2000 and Cork Airport Great Southern Hotel opened its doors in March 2001. The airport also celebrated its 40th Anniversary.
  
• 2003 saw developments begin for the €140million investment on a new terminal, car park, air traffic control building and cargo village. The airport sees 2 million passengers pass through.
  
• The developments are scheduled to be completed by November 2005 and the new facilities are designed to cope with 3 million passengers per year.