'Our day always looks different': A behind-the-scenes look at the working lives of Cork Airport staff

Some 3.1 million engers flew to and from Cork Airport during 2024, which was a 10% increase on the figure from the previous year.

That figure is expected to grow further in 2025. Cork Airport recently launched its summer schedule, with 2.75 million seats on sale on more than 50 routes which are operated by nine airlines. This includes four new routes from Cork to Bilbao, Bordeaux, Corfu and Izmir.

Playing a critical role in ensuring a comfortable flight experience for engers and making sure that the overall operation runs smoothly are the Cork Airport staff.

The Echo was granted a behind-the-scenes tour of the airport to get an insight into the working lives of the airport staff who make such an important contribution on a daily basis.

Among the first to greet us on arrival in the main terminal building are Eadaoin O’Riordan and Ben O’Flynn of the Cork Airport Police and Fire Service (APFS).

They are responsible for general policing and aviation security duties at the airport in Cork. This includes responding to emergency situations, traffic management and dealing with the preservation of good order, to ensure all engers can enjoy a safe environment travelling through the airport.

“The most enjoyable aspect of my job is the variety we have in our day. Our day always looks different. So that is probably my favorite part, along with the people that I work with,” said Ms O’Riordan, who outlines that no two days are the same in this particular role.

“We have a nice atmosphere in the airport so that makes the job a lot easier. You could be called to anything from medicals to spillages. The training we get helps us to prepare for everything.”

Mr O’Flynn adds: “You never know what you are going to have from day to day. You also get to watch people go off on their holidays and have a happy time, it is just a nice positive way to be.”

Meanwhile, the main function of the Airside Management Unit is to manage the daily activities and operations in general out airside.

This role is a critical one to say the very least and many at the airport argue that this role is the oil in the machine.

A few minutes inside the airport control room is all that you need to obtain an insight into the comprehensive tasks which they carry out.

Through a number of different screens, they monitor flight operations through detailed mapping and runway cameras.

The Airside Management Unit are first responders, along with the airport police, to all major incidents and accidents airside.

As Siobhan Herlihy from the Airside Management Unit demonstrates, her role focuses on making sure operations continue to run without incident.

Ms Herlihy and her colleague, Kerrie Woods, are responsible for managing all activities on the airfield including aircraft movements, maintenance and safety.

They are also tasked with providing on the spot solutions when issues arise, to ensure continued operations and in general maintaining standards across the airside environment.

“It can be stressful at times, but it is enjoyable,” said Ms Herlihy.

“You are constantly monitoring and listening to the ATC (Air Traffic Control) radio for anything out of the ordinary. Such as if an airline requests a medical emergency.

“We are all in one area, so we could say it to the duty manager and airport police are behind us.

“So, for example, we would say to them that there is a medical emergency and the airline is going to stand 13. That is the whole point of the office, you are all in one.

“We still would monitor and listen to ATC to make sure they are calling out the right stand.”

One of the main pillars of Cork Airport is the role provided by Swissport, who provide airport ground services, operate one lounge and manage one modern air cargo warehouse at the airport.

Swissport has been serving airlines at Cork Airport for many years and are tasked with looking after every airline in the airport apart from Aer Lingus. For Alan Mannion of Swissport, ensuring that the enger experience in Cork Airport is as smooth as possible is the primary objective.

“The engers are always flowing. Basically, on the ground floor here it is all about check in. So here we check in baggage. Once we get upstairs it is boarding and making sure engers get on their flights.

“Meeting people is the most enjoyable aspect of the job. Being in an airport, you are meeting different people and from different cultures, creeds and religions.”

Once our tour of the terminal building has been completed, The Echo is then taken out onto the runway.

Among the staff to chat is Michal Boguszewski, Aer Lingus ground supervisor. His role is another important cog in the operation of the airport. His main roles include ramp operations, cargo, baggage handling and cabin appearance on the aircraft.

As the engers head off on their sun holidays, the role of the airport ground supervisors is of paramount importance in getting their luggage and baggage to the desired destination safely and securely.

Mr Boguszewski said he fully embraces the demands and responsibilities of his role.

“It is a very important role and very responsible. It can be very busy here. You have to watch everything and your eyes have to be everywhere around your head.

“We have to supervise the flights inbound and outbound. Pushing aircraft and pulling aircraft, loading and offloading.

“It is a very nice job. You can meet a lot of new people and new friends. We have a few different shifts. Some people don’t like it, but this is the airport business.”

'INCREDIBLY BUSY'

Barry Holland, communications manager at Cork Airport, s The Echo on the airport runway, which on this Friday afternoon is a hive of activity with numerous flights departing and arriving.

In his role at the airport, Mr Holland looks after external communications, marketing, social media, public and media relations and stakeholder engagement.

“You have aircraft coming in and out now every 10-15 minutes,” said Mr Holland.

“What you see here is Cork Airport functioning at its busiest on a weekend in summer time.

“So it is incredibly busy. This is part of the operation that engers rarely get to see. It is a part that is so integral to the work that goes on here.

“As you can see, there are multiple roles people have to ensure aircraft come in and out.”

Cork Airport recently announced a capital investment of plan of €200m, which will see the creation of a further 10,000 jobs within the region, and the demolition of the old terminal building to facilitate the construction of a new pier with more boarding gates and aircraft parking stands.

The expansion of Cork Airport will enable the facility to cater for up to and beyond five million engers over the coming years.

On what he enjoys the most about working at Cork Airport, Mr Holland describes: “I think the most enjoyable part about it is that airports are generally happy places.

“You see people departing on any given day and predominantly if they are going on holidays, they are in great form and great spirits, looking forward to their getaway.

“What is important for us at Cork Airport is to ensure that everyone has a very pleasant experience when they are flying through.”

As Cork Airport is set for another busy few months ahead, the staff will play a crucial part in keeping operations functioning for all travelling through its facilities.