Cork Airport, Ireland’s second busiest and best connected airport, welcomes Ryanair’s announcement that it is to launch a new twice-weekly service to Budapest, commencing in April 2019.

The airline, which has now announced four new destinations from Cork Airport in recent weeks, is to grow its Cork traffic by 20% next year. Ryanair’s expansive summer schedule from Cork for 2019 will see it deliver 1.1 million customers through Munster’s busiest international airport.

In total, more than 2.4 million passengers will travel through Cork Airport this year, flying to destinations across the UK, continental Europe and a direct transatlantic service to the USA (Boston Providence) with Norwegian. Cork Airport is forecasting growth of 4% this year, with scheduled flights to over 40 destinations operated by nine airlines.

Ryanair’s new Budapest service commences on 4 April 2019, running Thursdays and Sundays. The airline has also recently announced a twice-weekly service to Malta from Cork; a five-times weekly service between Cork and Luton Airport starting on 28 October as part of Ryanair’s 2018/19 winter schedule; and a twice-weekly service to Poznań in Poland from 2 April 2019.

Ryanair is extending its summer service from Cork to Faro into the winter season making it a year-round service.

Cork Airport Managing Director Niall MacCarthy stated: “I am delighted that Ryanair has announced this major expansion at Cork Airport. As Ireland’s most punctual airport and winner of the Airport Council International (ACI) European Airport of the Year in 2017, Cork Airport is the perfect choice for this 20% passenger expansion announced by Ryanair. We welcome the four exciting new routes to Budapest, London Luton, Malta and Poznań and the 1.1 million passengers who will fly through Cork Airport with Ryanair next year.

“The team at Cork Airport is firmly committed to growth, operational excellence and business and tourism connections. Today’s announcement fully supports and underlines these objectives. With the support of our Munster passenger base and regional stakeholders, we look forward to a strong and vibrant 2019 with further growth to come.”

Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer Kenny Jacobs said: “Our summer 2019 schedule will deliver 1.1m customers p.a. at Cork Airport (growth of 20%), all on the lowest fares, as we continue to grow Cork routes, traffic, tourism and jobs.”