Why low-cost airlines refused to use airbridges at Cork Airport

Cultures · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: When designing its new terminal, engineers included airbridges for passenger comfort. However, the budget-conscious carriers that define the airport's success had a different plan. Their refusal to pay for or use this technology forced a complete redesign of the airport's infrastructure.

The evolution of Cork Airport, located in Farmers Cross, reflects the shifting economics of European aviation. While the airport officially opened on 16 October 1961 following trial flights by Aer Lingus and Cambrian Airways, its modern identity was shaped by the rise of low-cost carriers. During the construction of the new terminal, which opened on 15 August 2006, a significant architectural compromise was made: the DAA removed airbridges from the design because airline representatives from low-cost carriers explicitly stated they would not use or fund them.

This era of expansion was marked by both rapid growth and financial tension. Between 1998 and 2008, passenger numbers climbed from roughly 1.3 million to over 3.2 million, an average annual increase of 14.8%. However, the airport's independence was hard-won. In 2008, the Cork Airport Authority accepted a €113 million debt incurred by the Dublin Airport Authority to secure its autonomy, a move that led to the resignation of chairman Joe Gantly.

Despite the volatility of the industry—including a pandemic-era drop to 530,000 passengers in 2020—the airport has seen a massive resurgence. By 2025, passenger numbers reached an estimated 3,460,000. Looking ahead, a €200 million investment plan announced in 2025 aims to expand capacity to five million passengers annually through new gates, a solar farm, and advanced security technology, even necessitating the demolition of the old terminal and control tower.

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