Cork Airport welcomes news from Ryanair today on the addition of a new twice-weekly service to Budapest, Hungary due to commence 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% as part of an expansive summer schedule for 2019. 

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 April 4, 2019, operating on Thursdays and Sundays.

The airline has also recently announced a twice-weekly service to Malta from Cork; a five-times weekly service to Luton Airport from October 28 as part of Ryanair's 2018/19 winter schedule; and a twice-weekly service to Poznań, Poland from April 2, 2019.

Ryanair will also extend its summer service from Cork to Faro into the winter season making it a year-round service. 

“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," said Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director of Cork Airport.

"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,” he added.

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