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Aer Lingus expands connectivity with new Cork to Bilbao route

Saturday 19 April 2025 - 12:50
Aer Lingus expands connectivity with new Cork to Bilbao route

Irish airline Aer Lingus has officially launched a new flight route connecting Cork with Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country, northern Spain. This new service will operate three times a week, offering a direct two-hour flight to Bilbao, while also facilitating access to nearby cities across the region and northern Spain.

According to Cork Airport, this route marks the first scheduled connection to northern Spain, enabling direct travel to Bilbao city, as well as to San Sebastián, La Rioja, the Navarra region, and Pamplona. Aer Lingus highlighted that this new service is particularly beneficial for walkers completing the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

During the inaugural flight ceremony, Tara Finn, Head of Aviation Business Development & Communications at Cork Airport, expressed enthusiasm about the new connection. “Bilbao is our first connection with northern Spain and the Basque region, and it’s fantastic to see a full flight departing on this inaugural Aer Lingus service today,” she stated. Finn emphasized the diverse experiences available in the Basque region, from its vibrant culture and arts scene in Bilbao to the picturesque coastal city of San Sebastián, along with opportunities to sample local “pintxos” and explore the vineyards of La Rioja.

The Bilbao route is one of two new services being introduced by Aer Lingus from Cork ahead of the summer season, with direct flights to Bordeaux set to commence on May 15. The airline anticipates that these new routes will also enhance tourism to Ireland. A statement from Cork Airport noted that both the Bilbao and Bordeaux routes are expected to significantly boost incoming tourism, as market research from Tourism Ireland indicates that France and Spain rank as the fourth and fifth largest sources of inbound tourists to Ireland, with visitors expressing a desire to experience the country’s rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and local cuisine.


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