Cork Airport welcomes today’s announcement that Flybe has launched a new twice weekly all year round route from Cork to Cardiff. Commencing on June 6, 2015, on Tuesday and Saturday, the 118 seat Embraer 195 aircraft will be operated by Flybe, Europe's largest regional airline and a new carrier to Cork.

Cork Airport Managing Director, Niall MacCarthy welcomed the new route, saying: “We’re delighted to announce a second new destination in the space of a few days after the news earlier in the week that CSA Czech Airlines is to begin a new Ibiza service. This Cardiff route will be a significant boost to the local economy and provide a new destination for local business travellers and holidaymakers. At Cork Airport we have all been working extremely hard to provide our passengers with routes that will be beneficial for all."

This announcement is an exciting development for Cork Airport and we look forward to working closely with Flybe to develop our relationship and seek out further routes. Cork Airport is Ireland’s second largest airport serving 2.1 million passengers annually and we look forward to further announcements of expansion and growth  in 2015.”

Saad Hammad, CEO, Flybe said: “We are delighted to launch these exciting new routes from Cardiff Airport. As part of Project Blackbird, we have been looking to find a productive home for our surplus E195 aircraft and we are delighted at this 10 year agreement with Cardiff Airport which involves us basing two of these jets there to serve the Welsh market with great value fares and further improving UK regional connectivity. We continue to seek solutions for the remaining seven E195 Project Blackbird aircraft.”

Cork Airport is the international gateway to the south of Ireland. Welcoming over 6,000 passengers a day, and more than 11,000 passengers a day in peak season, it is the country’s second busiest airport after Dublin. More than 2.14 million passengers travel through the Airport each year, flying to destinations across the UK and throughout continental Europe.

Cork Airport as voted best in the world for passenger satisfaction in the ACI Regional Airport Survey in summer 2013.