Ryanair Shifts Capacity from Cork to Shannon, Cutting Rome and Polish Routes in 2026

Ryanair will reduce its presence at Cork Airport in 2026, relocating an aircraft to Shannon Airport due to cost differences. This shift will result in the cancellation of three routes from Cork: Rome, Gdańsk, and Poznań. The move highlights ongoing tensions between Ryanair and the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) over airport charges.

Route Cancellations and Timeline

The following routes will be discontinued from Cork Airport in 2026:

• Poznań, Poland: Flights will end on March 26, 2026.
• Gdańsk, Poland: Flights will end on March 28, 2026.
• Rome, Italy: Flights will end on March 28, 2026.

Shannon Airport Expansion

The relocated aircraft will bolster Shannon Airport’s capacity, bringing the total number of Ryanair aircraft based there to four, while Cork will be reduced to three. Ryanair announced three new Shannon routes for its winter schedule in July 2025: Madrid, Madeira, and Lapland, anticipating a 20% increase in passenger numbers.

Cost Concerns and DAA Response

Ryanair has consistently criticized the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) for high airport charges. Jason McGuinness, Ryanair’s chief commercial officer, stated the airline allocates capacity “wherever costs are best and where we can get the best long-term deals.” Ryanair has indicated a willingness to reconsider its decision if the DAA lowers its cost base for Cork Airport.

Impact on Passengers

The route cancellations will particularly affect the Polish community in Cork, estimated at 13,000 people, who frequently use these routes to visit family. Passengers wishing to travel to Poznań can utilize the new Shannon route, which begins on March 31, 2026, just days after the Cork service ends. Flights to Gdańsk will require booking through Dublin Airport, which currently offers five weekly services to the city.

Cork Airport’s Response

Barry Holland, Cork Airport’s communications manager, acknowledged that airlines regularly adjust schedules to optimize fleet utilization in the dynamic aviation industry.

Broader Trend

Ryanair’s decision is part of a broader trend of the airline adjusting routes in response to rising taxes, airport fees, and operating costs across Europe.