France Joins Spain, and Czech Republic to Take Flight with Aer Lingus While Cork’s Summer 2026 Expansion Brings Unmissable New Routes to Nice, Santiago, and Prague

Published on December 13, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Aer Lingus has unveiled an exciting expansion of its network from Cork Airport (ORK) for Summer 2026, with the launch of two new destinations – Nice, France, and Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Additionally, the airline is extending its Prague service to a year-round operation, marking a significant increase in connectivity for travelers from southern Ireland.

This strategic move is part of a larger growth initiative by the airline to strengthen its presence across both Europe and North America. The new routes and service extensions will not only provide more options for leisure travelers but will also enhance the airport’s standing as a key regional hub for Aer Lingus.

What’s New: New Routes from Cork Airport

The newly introduced flights will offer convenient access to some of Europe’s most sought-after destinations. Starting May 6, 2026, Aer Lingus will resume its twice-weekly service to Nice, France, catering to travelers eager to explore the French Riviera. This route, which was a popular service in the past, will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays, providing easy access to the Côte d’Azur and nearby cities like Cannes and Monaco.

In addition, Aer Lingus is launching a new service to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, beginning June 1, 2026. This route will also operate twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays, connecting Cork to the historic capital of the Galicia region. Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its significance as the final stop on the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail, making it a destination rich in history and culture.

Year-Round Prague Service Extension

In another major development, Aer Lingus has decided to extend its seasonal service from Cork to Prague into a year-round offering. Previously, this route operated only during the winter months, primarily catering to tourists visiting the Czech capital for its renowned Christmas markets. However, from Summer 2026, the route will run year-round, maintaining a twice-weekly frequency on Mondays and Thursdays. This move allows travelers from Cork to enjoy both city breaks in the summer and festive visits to the markets during the winter months.

Why This Matters: Context of Aer Lingus’ Wider Expansion

This expansion is part of a broader network growth strategy by Aer Lingus for Summer 2026. The airline is not only focusing on increasing its presence in Europe but is also launching new long-haul routes from its primary hub in Dublin. The introduction of a new transatlantic route from Dublin to Pittsburgh, USA, is set to operate four times a week, offering direct access to the American city for both business and leisure travelers.

Furthermore, Aer Lingus is enhancing its European offerings from Dublin with new flights to Oslo, Norway, Montpellier, France, and Asturias, Spain. These new routes are in line with the airline’s goal of providing more travel options for both Irish passengers and international visitors looking to explore the vibrant destinations across Europe.

How Aer Lingus is Strengthening Cork Airport as a Key Regional Hub

Cork Airport (ORK) has become increasingly important to Aer Lingus’ expansion plans. By offering new routes to attractive European destinations and making Prague a year-round option, Aer Lingus is tapping into the growing demand for leisure travel from southern Ireland. Cork’s strategic location as a gateway to key European cities further solidifies its role as an essential hub for Aer Lingus, providing greater connectivity to travelers from the region.

This expansion is expected to boost tourism and business opportunities, particularly for those traveling from southern Ireland to the French Riviera, Spain, and the Czech Republic. With these new additions, Aer Lingus will provide its customers with even more opportunities to explore Europe and beyond.

The Bigger Picture: Enhancing Ireland’s Global Connectivity

Aer Lingus’ continued network growth is a strong indicator of its ongoing commitment to connecting Ireland to the world. With new destinations across Europe, the airline is meeting the increasing demand for travel options from both local and international passengers. Whether it’s the cultural richness of Santiago de Compostela, the glamorous beaches of Nice, or the charming historic streets of Prague, travelers will have more reasons to fly with Aer Lingus in the coming years.

Moreover, the new Pittsburgh service further highlights Aer Lingus’ ambition to enhance its long-haul connectivity. As more travelers look to explore both well-known and hidden gems across the globe, Aer Lingus is positioning itself as a key player in the transatlantic market, particularly between Ireland and the United States.

When Are These New Routes Starting?

The new flights to Nice, France, and Santiago de Compostela, Spain, are set to begin in May and June of 2026. With the addition of these routes, Aer Lingus is expanding its footprint in Europe, ensuring that more passengers have easy access to popular holiday destinations. The year-round extension of the Prague service begins in Summer 2026, offering even greater flexibility for those wishing to explore the Czech capital throughout the year.

Conclusion: More Choices for Travelers in 2026

Aer Lingus’ Summer 2026 expansion offers an exciting mix of destinations for travelers looking to explore Europe. Whether it’s the French Riviera, the historic Spanish pilgrimage route, or the Czech Republic’s vibrant capital, Cork passengers will have even more choices than ever before. This growth strategy aligns with Aer Lingus’ mission to provide high-quality service, increased connectivity, and better options for travelers both near and far.

Image: Aer Lingus