The $200m investment from Ryanair at Cork Airport includes bringing 20 routes to the airport, and two new services around the UK.
Ryanair is bringing great news for many avid travellers around Cork Airport. It has been announced that there are plans to restore its base to full capacity in time for Summer 2022.
As reported by Irish Post, Cork Airport and the DAA have been working closely with Ryanair over the last while to make this happen.
Restoring Airport traffic – in time for next summer
Ryanair has announced that it is introducing 20 routes that will resume traffic to pre-pandemic levels at Cork Airport. This will see a full recovery of its passenger capacity with the reopening of its two aircraft bases.
“I am delighted with today’s announcement by Ryanair reopening their base at Cork Airport in December,” stated Niall McCarthy, Cork Airport’s Managing Director.
But that’s not all from the airline. They also announced new changes with the introduction of two new flight lines within the UK.
More surprises – new Ryanair services at Cork Airport
Ryanair has also announced the exciting launch of services to Birmingham and Edinburgh in Cork Airport. Due to the collapse of Stobart Air, these were discontinued.
However, Ryanair has ambitious plans to transform the airline and restore some normality for expectant travellers.
Cork’s flight lines will include Gatwick, Luton, Liverpool, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Stansted from December.
Next summer, holidays are on our mind as destinations including Majorca, Milan, and Tenerife will join the Cork Airport clan.
Ryanair’s comeback to Cork Airport – the full extent of their plans
The restoration of the two aircraft bases will prove extremely beneficial for many. The airport’s plan to return to norm will secure many jobs. Not only this, but it will also deliver thousands of tourism jobs in the Cork area.
According to Travel Weekly, Ryanair Chief Executive Eddie Wilson spoke about the importance of this project.
He reported, “This $200 million investment secures 60 Ryanair jobs at Cork, but more importantly restores passenger traffic at Cork to pre-pandemic levels for summer ’22.”
“Cork along with Shannon, Kerry, and Knock have had their Ryanair traffic fully restored to pre-pandemic levels of capacity, ensuring the recovery of tourism, jobs, and connectivity.
Big plans for a pre-pandemic comeback – what is the status of air travel in Ireland?
Cork Airport and the DAA have attempted to extend the traffic recovery scheme to the end of October 2022. With this, there are hopes to encourage Ryanair traffic to return to pre-pandemic levels.
Plans are also secured to restore air traffic to pre-pandemic levels in Shannon, Kerry, and Knock airports in time for summer 2022.
Unfortunately, however, Wilson explained that DAA (Dublin Airport) will experience a lull in air traffic over the summer period.
“Unfortunately, traffic at Dublin is set to fall by up to 35% next summer,” he said.
He explained that “…the DAA traffic recovery scheme does not have the required funding from [the] government to incentivise traffic recovery for the entire summer season, ending in June instead of October.”
Meanwhile, Cork Airport is closed as it completes its renovation to the airbase. It is scheduled to reopen on 22 November 2021, and is due to have a busy year ahead.
