Cork Airport is bracing for the loss of direct flights to Rome, Gdansk and Poznan at the conclude of March, a move that has sparked a campaign to save the Polish routes and raised concerns about connectivity for the Munster region. Ryanair, the budget airline responsible for the cuts, will end flights to Poznań on March 26th, followed by Gdansk and Rome on March 28th, according to a statement from the airline.
The decision particularly impacts the estimated 25,000 Polish citizens residing in Cork city and county, for whom Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport serves as a key gateway to Northern Poland. Campaign organizers emphasize the disruption to family connections, professional opportunities, and cultural exchanges. “For many Poles residing in Cork, Gdansk serves as the primary gateway to Northern Poland. The suspension of Ryanair’s direct flight route between Cork and Gdansk has had a profound impact on this vibrant community,” a statement from the campaign group reads. “Not only has it made travel more cumbersome and expensive, but it has as well hindered family connections, professional opportunities, and cultural exchanges that are vital to maintaining our diverse society.”
The cuts come after Ryanair relocated one of its four aircraft from Cork to Shannon Airport earlier this year, citing lower operating costs at the mid-west airport. Ryanair’s chief commercial officer, Jason McGuinness, previously stated the airline allocates capacity “wherever costs are best and where One can get the best long-term deals.” Whereas Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has expressed hope of returning a fourth aircraft to Cork this summer, the immediate impact is the loss of these three routes.
Local Polish community organizations, including the PolskaEire Slavic Festival Cork, have launched a petition urging Ryanair to reconsider its decision or encouraging other airlines to step in. The campaign is gaining support not only from the Polish community but also from Munster residents who have frequently travelled to Poland over the past 25 years. Organizers are hopeful that budget airlines like WizzAir might consider taking over the routes.
Cork Airport officials acknowledged the route cancellations, stating that airlines regularly adjust schedules to optimize their fleets. However, the loss of these routes adds to concerns about regional connectivity, forcing passengers to travel through Dublin or Shannon, increasing both travel time, and expense. The Irish Examiner reported that Ryanair’s decision was due to “lower-cost options elsewhere across the network.”
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between Ryanair and the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) over airport charges. Ryanair has repeatedly called for a reduction in fees at Cork Airport, arguing that high costs are driving airlines to relocate capacity. The DAA has not yet responded to requests for comment on the latest route cuts.
