Aviation Services

CORK AIRPORT
Location:
51°50'50" N 8°29'10" W
154M above mean sea level
Cork Airport is located on a ridge approximately 6 Km south of Cork City.

History:
The airport opened in October 1961, close to the site of a former airfield known as Farmers Cross. Preliminary meteorological observations had been taken at this site in 1946-47. Initially, observations were carried out on request only. Then towards the end of 1961 these were put on a 24hr basis and so the station became part of the synoptic network of the Meteorological Service. A forecast section for aviation purposes was opened in 1966 and, as the demand for general forecasts grew, an automatic telephone weather service was installed.

This service proved to be highly popular with the public, reaching a peak of 750,000 calls in 1991.

The aviation forecast section closed in 1988, with responsibility for the forecasts being taken over by the Central Aviation Office in Shannon. Pilots can now avail of a self-briefing service, provided by Met Éireann, in the main terminal complex. This facility provides the latest radar pictures, TAFS, METARS, upper wind and Sig. Weather charts with all items being updated as soon as the latest data become available. A phone link to the forecaster in Shannon is also available.

The airport is particularly prone to fog conditions. This is due to its location near the south coast and its height above sea level. However, with the introduction of Category 2 status in 1990 the number of flight diversions has dropped dramatically, although to some people Cork will always be regarded as a foggy airport.