Aer Lingus Expands Cork Airport Routes with New Summer Services and Year-Round Prague Flights

Cork Airport is set for a busy summer season with Aer Lingus adding two new routes to Nice, France, and Santiago de Compostela, Spain, alongside the extension of its Prague service to year-round operation. The airline is also increasing capacity on its Glasgow route, operated by Emerald Airlines, responding to growing passenger demand.

New Summer Destinations

Rebel County holidaymakers will have more options this summer with direct flights to Nice and Santiago de Compostela. Flights to Nice will commence on May 2nd, while services to Santiago de Compostela will start on June 1st. CorkBeo reports these additions build upon Aer Lingus’ existing network from Cork, which includes popular destinations like Malaga, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Faro, Palma de Mallorca, Bilbao, Bordeaux, and London Heathrow.

Prague Service Goes Year-Round

Aer Lingus has confirmed that its Cork-Prague service, initially launched as a winter route, will now operate year-round. The airline will operate twice-weekly flights between Cork and Prague on Mondays and Thursdays.

Increased Capacity to Glasgow

Responding to strong demand, Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Emerald Airlines, will increase its capacity on the Cork to Glasgow route. From May 25, 2026, the service will increase from four to six weekly flights, with additional services on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Ian Lough, Head of Commercial at Emerald Airlines, stated the increase reflects “strong demand” and a “commitment to offering greater choice, flexibility and convenience for passengers travelling from Cork.”

Enhanced Baggage Policy

Aer Lingus has extended its 10kg carry-on baggage policy to all Aer Lingus Regional flights operated by Emerald Airlines, effective March 3, 2026. Passengers with Plus or Advantage fares will be able to bring a free 10kg carry-on bag, while those with Saver fares can pay to check a bag or bring one on board. AerClub members will also benefit from extended baggage allowances.

Cork Airport Investment

These route expansions coincide with Cork Airport’s ongoing €200 million upgrade plan. Improvements include a new mezzanine floor above the arrivals area, upgraded Wi-Fi hardware, a new car park booking system with automatic number plate recognition, self-service bag-drop kiosks for Aer Lingus customers, and the installation of a third airbridge. The new airbridge, located at Gate 6, became operational in time for the summer season.

Tara Finn, Head of Aviation Business Development and Communications at Cork Airport, expressed delight at the increased capacity and new routes, stating they provide passengers with “even more choice for travel from Cork Airport this coming summer.”