Aer Lingus Brings New European Routes to Cork, Including Nice, Santiago de Compostela, and Bologna for Summer 2026

Published on February 25, 2026

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Aer Lingus is expanding its summer 2026 schedule from Cork Airport, adding two exciting new European routes and increasing regional capacity to meet growing demand. The airline will launch new nonstop services to Nice, France, starting May 2, and Santiago de Compostela, Spain, beginning June 1, further enhancing Cork’s connectivity to popular European destinations.

In addition to these new routes, Aer Lingus will make its Prague route a year-round service, as it was previously available only during the winter months. The airline is also increasing its Cork-Glasgow frequencies, with flights rising from four to six times weekly starting May 25, adding Tuesday and Wednesday services to offer even more flexibility for travelers. Cork-Bristol will continue to operate daily, with double flights on Mondays and Fridays, ensuring that business and leisure travelers alike can access these vibrant UK cities with ease.

This expansion builds upon Aer Lingus’ established network from Cork Airport, which already includes popular destinations such as Malaga, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Faro, Palma de Mallorca, Bilbao, Bordeaux, and London Heathrow. By adding more destinations and increasing frequencies on existing routes, Aer Lingus is helping to stimulate tourism in Cork and across Ireland while providing more options for both international travelers and those looking to explore new European cities.

New Routes to Nice and Santiago de Compostela: Enhancing Tourism and Connectivity

The addition of Nice and Santiago de Compostela to Aer Lingus’ summer schedule is set to boost both tourism and business travel in the region. Nice, located on the French Riviera, is a world-renowned destination known for its stunning coastline, Mediterranean climate, and rich cultural heritage. With direct flights from Cork, travelers will have easy access to one of the most picturesque parts of Europe. Whether it’s enjoying the Promenade des Anglais, exploring Old Nice, or visiting the nearby Monaco and Cannes, the route is sure to attract tourists seeking a sunny getaway in the French Riviera.

Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia in northwest Spain, is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its Cathedral, a key destination for pilgrims following the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. The city is also known for its historic center, vibrant food scene, and proximity to Spain’s northern coastline. With the new direct flights from Cork, travelers can easily reach this unique destination and immerse themselves in its cultural and spiritual significance. The launch of this route also opens up new possibilities for travelers wishing to explore the wider Galicia region, famous for its lush landscapes, wine regions, and Atlantic coastlines.

Year-Round Service to Prague and Increased Regional Capacity

Alongside the new international routes, Aer Lingus is also reinforcing its year-round service to Prague, a route that was previously only available during the winter months. As Prague continues to be a growing hub for business, cultural tourism, and leisure travel, the year-round connection to Cork will provide even more opportunities for visitors to explore the Czech Republic’s charming capital. Known for its medieval architecture, Old Town, and the iconic Prague Castle, this city remains a must-visit destination for tourists traveling to Central Europe.

Additionally, the Cork-Glasgow route will see an increase in frequency starting May 25, with services rising to six times per week. This provides more flexibility for travelers flying between Ireland and Scotland, whether for business meetings, city breaks, or exploring Glasgow’s cultural scene, renowned for its museums, vibrant nightlife, and art galleries. Glasgow is also an ideal starting point for further exploring Scotland, including trips to Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands, and Loch Ness.

Cork’s Growing Role as a Gateway to Europe

With the expansion of its routes, Aer Lingus is positioning Cork Airport as an increasingly important gateway for travel to Europe. Cork’s strategic location on the southern coast of Ireland makes it an ideal point of departure for travelers seeking connections to both popular Mediterranean destinations and less-explored parts of Europe.

Aer Lingus’ efforts to increase its offerings from Cork are part of a broader trend of growing air travel demand in Ireland. With increased flight options and more direct routes, Cork is becoming more accessible to tourists from around the world, boosting the region’s appeal as a tourism and business destination.

In addition to Cork’s expansion as a regional hub, the added routes to Nice, Santiago de Compostela, and Prague will help promote Ireland’s tourism and cultural exchange with other European nations. The Cork tourism industry stands to benefit significantly, as more visitors can take advantage of the new and expanded routes to explore the city’s vibrant heritage, including its historic Blarney Castle, the English Market, and its proximity to the beautiful Ring of Kerry.

Looking Ahead to Summer 2026 and Beyond

As Aer Lingus continues to expand its summer routes in 2026, the airline’s focus on increasing its service from Cork Airport is expected to have a lasting impact on the region’s travel industry. The increased availability of nonstop flights to key European cities will further enhance Cork’s connectivity and provide a significant boost to both tourism and business travel.

In addition to the summer route expansions, the airline is committed to maintaining high service standards and providing travelers with affordable and convenient options to explore destinations across Europe and beyond. Whether travelers are looking to enjoy a beach vacation in Nice, explore the historic streets of Santiago de Compostela, or discover the beauty of Prague, Aer Lingus is making it easier than ever to reach these amazing destinations.

With new routes to Bologna, Tangier, and continued expansion into Northern Europe, Aer Lingus is setting itself up to become one of the leading carriers for travelers flying out of Cork Airport, ensuring more people can access the wonders of Europe with ease.