Cork Airport has gone from strength to strength over the years. As a Cork-based travel agency with 30 years of experience, we’ve watched it grow into a fantastic gateway for Irish travelers - whether you’re off for a quick European break, a business trip, or even a long-haul adventure through a major hub.
Since the opening of the new terminal in 2006, the airport has expanded significantly, offering more destinations, better connectivity, and a much smoother travel experience. No more stressful trips to Dublin for a decent flight schedule - Cork Airport now has direct routes across Europe and seamless links to international hubs like London, Paris, and Amsterdam, making long-haul travel easier than ever.
Where exactly can you fly to from Cork? That’s what we’re here to break down. In this blog, we’ll cover:
✔ Direct Destinations from Cork Airport
✔ Long-Haul Travel from Cork(via Major Hubs)
✔ The Cork Airport Experience
Cork Airport offers a wide range of direct flights to some of the most popular destinations across Europe, making it easier than ever to plan your next getaway. Whether you're looking for a culture-packed city break, a sun-soaked holiday, or a winter escape, there’s a route to suit.
If a quick weekend escape is on the cards, Cork Airport has you covered. You can hop on a short flight to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, or Rome, all of which are ideal for sightseeing, shopping, and soaking up some local history. Recent additions like Bilbao and Bordeaux with Aer Lingus give even more options for food, wine, and culture lovers looking for something a little different.
For those dreaming of warm weather and sandy shores, Cork offers direct flights to Spain, Portugal, Italy, and the Canary Islands. Popular routes include Alicante, Malaga, Lanzarote, and Faro, making it easy to swap Irish drizzle for Mediterranean sunshine. Exciting new routes to Fuerteventura, Dalaman, and Izmir now give sun-seekers even more choice, whether it’s the golden beaches of the Canaries or the stunning coastline of Turkey that’s calling.
While Ireland isn’t exactly known for its ski resorts, despite our recent snow storms, Cork Airport has several direct routes that make hitting the slopes easier than ever. You can fly straight to Munich, Salzburg, and Zurich, all of which are key gateways to the Alps and beyond. Lyon is another great option, offering access to some of France’s top ski resorts. And if Andorra is on your radar, a flight to Barcelona puts you within easy reach of the Pyrenees. So whether you're a beginner looking for a gentle slope or a seasoned skier in search of a challenge, you can get to the mountains with minimal hassle.
For those travelling for work or long-haul connections, Cork has direct flights to London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Paris Charles de Gaulle - three of Europe’s biggest airports. From here, you can easily connect to the USA, Asia, Australia, and beyond without needing to travel through Dublin. These routes are particularly handy for those looking for smooth international connections with airlines like KLM, Air France, and British Airways.
While Cork Airport primarily serves short-haul European destinations, its well-connected hub airports - London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Paris Charles de Gaulle as we mentioned above - open up a world of possibilities. With a simple one-stop connection, you can find yourself anywhere from the bustling streets of New York to the sun-soaked beaches of Thailand.
If you’re dreaming of a far-flung adventure, Cork offers seamless one-stop routes to some of the world’s top long-haul destinations:
- A Weekend in the Big Apple
Fly Cork → Amsterdam → New York (JFK) with KLM and spend a few unforgettable days shopping on Fifth Avenue, exploring Times Square, and indulging in world-class cuisine.
- A Luxury Escape to Dubai
Take off from Cork → Paris → Dubai (DXB) with Air France and unwind in pure luxury - whether it’s relaxing at a 5-star beachfront resort, taking a desert safari, or experiencing the glamour of the Burj Khalifa.
- An Exotic Thai Getaway
Fly Cork → London → Bangkok (BKK) with British Airways and explore Thailand’s breathtaking beaches, rich culture, and vibrant city life.
- A Dream Trip to Australia
Whether visiting family or going on a bucket-list adventure, a Cork → London → Sydney (SYD) route with British Airways lets you experience the Land Down Under with minimal fuss.
One of the biggest perks of booking your flights on a single ticket with airlines like Aer Lingus, KLM, and Air France is that your luggage is checked all the way through to your final destination - no need to recheck bags or collect them mid-journey. That means you can land at your layover airport, grab a coffee, and head straight to your next gate stress-free.
If you have a longer layover, you don’t have to spend it sitting at a crowded gate. Many of Cork Airport’s key hub airports offer fantastic lounge options, perfect for unwinding between flights.
Amsterdam Schiphol – Relax at the KLM Crown Lounge, which offers panoramic runway views, delicious food, and even sleeping pods.
London Heathrow – Take advantage of the British Airways Galleries Lounge or the No1 Lounge, where you can enjoy comfortable seating, refreshments, and even showers.
Paris Charles de Gaulle – The Air France Lounge provides a stylish setting with gourmet French cuisine, a quiet area for relaxation, and high-speed WiFi.
Access to lounges varies depending on airline status, class of travel, or paid entry, but they can be a game-changer for making your journey more comfortable.
We’ve all been there - arriving back into Dublin Airport after a long-haul trip, facing the daunting drive back to Cork when all you want is your own bed. One of the greatest advantages of flying via Cork is that when you step off the plane at the end of your journey, you’re home. No extra travel, no late-night motorway trips - just an easy arrival and a short drive back to your door.
How you begin your journey can set the tone for the entire trip, and Cork Airport makes it easy to start things off on the right foot. With its compact size, shorter security queues, and an overall hassle-free experience, it’s the ideal gateway to your next adventure.
One of the key benefits of flying from Cork is the ease of getting through the airport. Security is typically much quicker than in larger airports, meaning less time standing in line and more time to relax before your flight.
Cork Airport is in the middle of an exciting refresh of its dining options, bringing a new level of quality and variety to passengers. The airport’s much-loved Craft Lane bar and restaurant is currently undergoing a significant refurbishment and will soon reopen as CRAFT, with a fresh new look and a menu that celebrates Cork’s rich food culture.
For those who prefer a pre-flight cocktail, a brand-new cocktail bar is also in the works, set to open near Gate 7. Passengers will be able to enjoy classic favourites like espresso martinis, mojitos, and mimosas, bringing a little holiday spirit to the departure lounge before they’ve even boarded.
While these upgrades are in progress, passengers still have plenty of great options. Roasted Notes Café and wine bar is perfect for a coffee or a glass of wine, while the Food Republic food court offers a variety of choices to suit different tastes. For those looking for an extra level of comfort, the Aspire Lounge provides complimentary drinks, snacks, and a quiet space to unwind before take-off.
Cork Airport’s convenient location makes it easily accessible whether you’re driving, taking a taxi, or using public transport.
For those driving, there are short-term and long-term parking options at reasonable rates, with easy access to the terminal. Taxis are available right outside arrivals, offering a quick and stress-free way to get to your final destination.
Public transport is another reliable option. Bus Éireann routes 225 and 226 provide frequent services linking the airport to Cork City Centre, Parnell Place Bus Station, and Kent Train Station. The 226 route also extends to Kinsale, while the 225 connects passengers to Haulbowline, Ringaskiddy, and Carrigaline. These buses run approximately every 30 minutes on weekdays and hourly on Sundays and public holidays, ensuring a smooth connection to and from the airport.
For passengers with early departures or late-night arrivals, the Cork International Hotel is located right next to the airport, offering comfortable accommodation and a complimentary shuttle service. It’s a great option for anyone looking to start their trip in total relaxation.
With a growing list of destinations, smooth connections to major hubs, and a relaxed airport experience, Cork Airport offers an easy and stress-free way to start your travels. Whether you're jetting off on a sun holiday, a city break, or an adventure further afield, the convenience off lying from Cork makes all the difference.
As a Cork-based travel agency, we’re always happy to help you find the best flights, routes, and holiday packages to suit your needs. If you're thinking about your next getaway, why not get in touch? Whether you need advice on flights, connections, or the best places to stay, we’re here to help make your travel planning effortless.
Happy travels! ✈️🌍
