From the end of March, direct Ryanair flights from Cork to Poland and Rome are being cut.

This isn’t just a minor schedule change. It’s a real setback for Irish tourists, for businesses across the South, and for the many families who rely on these connections every year.

Over 40,000 passengers travelled on the Cork–Gdansk route last year alone, with almost the same number travelling to Rome. That tells you everything: these flights are used, valued and needed.

Rome is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for Irish tourists. Whether it’s family holidays, cultural trips, school tours, or religious pilgrimages, it’s a key route for people across Munster.

Gdansk has been a favourite city break destination for many Irish families in Munster, with many Polish families travelling on this route also. 

Cutting all three of these routes forces passengers to travel through Dublin or Shannon; adding time, cost and unnecessary hassle.

 

Cork Airport has grown strongly in recent years. 

Regional connectivity is vital for a city like Cork and for the wider Southern economy.

Direct flights support:

Irish tourists travelling affordably and conveniently.
Local SMEs trading with European partners.
Tourism businesses welcoming inbound visitors.
Employers who rely on efficient European access.
Poland is one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies, Italy remains a major EU trading partner.
These are not fringe destinations, they are important European links.
Also, the Polish community is one of the largest communities in Southern Ireland. Direct flights allow families to stay connected, maintain cultural ties, and travel home without unnecessary detours.

This route is about people as much as it is about economics.

What we are asking for:

We are calling on Michael O'Leary of Ryaniar to meet with the DAA to reconsider the decision to cut the Cork–Gdansk, Cork-Poznan and Cork–Rome routes.

Cork is Ireland’s second city.

The South deserves strong international connections.

Our airport should be growing, not losing routes.

If you believe Cork needs to stay connected to Europe, please sign this petition and share it.

Let’s stand up for Cork