Over 44,000 passengers will travel through Cork Airport across this August bank holiday weekend. The busiest day for Ireland’s second busiest and best connected international airport after Dublin is forecasted to be this Saturday (4 August).

Niall McCarthy, Managing Director of Cork Airport outlined that passenger volumes are growing. “We are delighted to welcome the significant extra frequencies on many of our summer schedule routes. This is one of our busiest weekends of the year as passengers from across the south of Ireland embrace the convenience, flexibility and choice that is offered when flying from Cork.”

He added: “We also welcome thousands of visitors arriving into the region via Cork Airport over the coming days. Many will visit two of Ireland’s top tourism attractions right on the doorstep of the Airport — the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East — along with experiencing some of the top cultural events, culinary hotspots and extensive range of activities there is on offer across the region.”

More than doubling capacity on its Cork to Zurich service this summer, SWISS is operating three flights per week while Iberia Express’ Cork to Madrid route has also expanded. Spanish carrier Volotea is operating its Cork Verona route every Saturday and Wednesday.

This year’s August Bank Holiday Weekend is also the first for Air France’s new year-round daily flight from Cork to Paris, which also opens up access to the airline’s network of over 180 destinations worldwide via Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

Norwegian’s Cork to Boston Providence service is also operating this weekend, offering affordable transatlantic travel for those travelling to the east coast of America to experience US summer holiday destinations such as Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

Passengers planning to travel over the coming days are being advised to arrive at least 90 minutes prior to their flight to avoid any unnecessary delays. Passengers are also strongly advised to go directly to the security screening area once they have checked in.

Cork Airport is reminding those choosing to drive to avail of great value parking by booking online in advance at www.corkairport.com/parking and are advised that the forecourt is strictly a set-down area only.