Aer Lingus is to ramp up its summer 2026 schedule from Cork Airport, adding extra capacity on key routes and introducing new European destinations as part of its most extensive programme from the airport to date.
Through its regional operator, Emerald Airlines, Aer Lingus will increase the frequency of its Cork–Glasgow service from four to six weekly flights starting May 25. The additional services will operate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, reflecting what the airline says is strong and sustained demand on the Scottish route.
Further strengthening its European network, Aer Lingus will launch two new routes from Cork this summer. A new service to Nice will commence on May 2, followed by a route to Santiago de Compostela beginning June 1. The airline has also confirmed that its Prague service, previously operated on a winter-only basis, will now run year-round, offering greater flexibility for both leisure and city-break travellers.
Aer Lingus already serves a wide range of sun and city destinations from Cork, including Malaga, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Faro, Palma de Mallorca, Bilbao, Bordeaux and London Heathrow. The airline says the expanded schedule underlines its commitment to providing more choice and convenience for customers in the south of Ireland.
Ian Lough, head of commercial at Emerald Airlines, said the addition of two extra weekly Glasgow flights for summer 2026 demonstrates the strong demand evident in the market. Meanwhile, Aer Lingus chief customer officer Susanne Carberry described the summer 2026 schedule from Cork as the airline’s most diverse yet, noting that six new routes have been added from the airport in the past 12 months.
The expansion comes as Cork Airport continues work on a major €200 million capital investment programme — its largest since the runway was overhauled in 2021. Central to the redevelopment is the construction of a new mezzanine floor above the existing arrivals area, designed to accommodate an upgraded security screening zone.
The revamped security area will feature new C3 scanners, eliminating the need for passengers to remove liquids and large electronic devices from cabin baggage, along with a new fast-track lane. Additional improvements include a €1.4 million airbridge at Gate 6 and a €2.5 million oversized baggage screening facility.
Cork Airport handled a record 3.4 million passengers last year.
