Aer Lingus is launching its newly announced route from Dublin to Malta on Friday, October 25, and bringing a bit of Mediterranean sunshine to Irish travellers.
This new service will operate three times a week as part of the airline’s winter 2024-2025 schedule, with fares starting at an attractive €69.99.
Malta is the destination for those seeking a mix of history, culture, and relaxation. With over 7,000 years of history and three UNESCO World Heritage sites, the island offers visitors a genuinely enriching experience. Toluene van der Merwe, Director of Visit Malta for the UK and Ireland, expressed her excitement about the new route, saying it will provide more opportunities for Irish visitors to discover Malta’s stunning islands.
“We are delighted to launch the new Aer Lingus route to Malta officially,” she said. “This year has already seen a 10% increase in visitor numbers from Dublin compared to 2023, and we’re excited about the potential for continued growth in the months ahead. We look forward to working with Aer Lingus to make this route successful.”
Malta, just a three-and-a-half-hour flight from Dublin, is famous for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich heritage. Travellers can also venture to Gozo, a quieter island, perfect for a winter getaway or a peaceful Christmas/New Year break.
New Summer Service from Cork to İzmir, Turkey
In addition to the Malta announcement, Cork Airport has unveiled a brand-new summer service to İzmir, Turkey. This twice-weekly service will run from May to October 2025, operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays. İzmir, located along Turkey’s scenic Aegean coast, is a top destination for travellers seeking warm weather, stunning beaches, and cultural attractions like the ancient city of Ephesus.
The introduction of this route responds to a strong demand for direct Turkish connections from Cork. Sun Express, a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, will operate the service. The airline, known for its affordable fares and high-quality service, was recently voted Europe’s Best Leisure Airline in 2023 and 2024.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, James Lawless TD, praised the new route, emphasising its potential to enhance connectivity and provide travellers with more options. He noted Cork Airport’s impressive growth, with a 10% increase in passenger numbers this year, and expressed confidence in the continued expansion of services at regional airports.
Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport, echoed this sentiment: “This will be our ninth scheduled carrier at Cork Airport. It’s fantastic to see a new route to a new country operated by a new airline. Cork Airport is the fastest-growing airport in Ireland, and we’re excited to offer more choices for travellers from across the South of Ireland.”
With these exciting new routes, Aer Lingus and Cork Airport are expanding their offerings, giving Irish travellers even more options for their next sunny escape—whether it’s a winter getaway to Malta or a summer vacation in the picturesque Aegean region of Turkey.
