Cork Airport Welcomes First SunExpress Direct Flights to Izmir for Summer 2025

• by Arlen Fitzpatrick
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Direct Connection: Cork Airport to Izmir, Summer 2025

Cork Airport is shaking up holiday plans for 2025. For the first time, travelers in southern Ireland can hop on a direct SunExpress flight right from Cork to Izmir, Türkiye. The new route kicks off on May 31 and runs until the end of October, offering twice-weekly flights. If you’re dreaming of those Turkish beaches, resorts, and sunny weather, this is about as easy as it gets.

The whole thing started with a bit of a party. When the first plane took off on June 2, passengers were greeted with Turkish-style treats to mark the occasion—think baklava instead of the usual Irish snacks. Starting prices for returns are set at €259.99, giving families and solo adventurers a chance to plan that sun-soaked escape without breaking the bank.

This isn’t just a new destination; it’s a serious response to what people around Cork actually want. Airport bosses spotted a real hunger for more Turkish routes—Izmir is a gateway to hotspots like Kusadasi, famous for its lively beachfront, and Çeşme, a seaside paradise that pops up constantly in European travel guides.

SunExpress, run as a team effort by Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, is not a small name in European travel. But the Izmir flights are their first direct service from Cork, so this is a big moment for them—and for Irish travelers, too. Tobias Bracht, who heads up sales at SunExpress, said he’s excited to bring a route that combines the rich history and culture of the Turkish Riviera with the convenience Irish passengers crave.

Cork Airport’s Growth Shows No Signs of Slowing

Cork Airport isn’t just adding a new destination—they’re upping their game overall. Tara Finn, who’s in charge of getting new business and spreading the word at the airport, said there’s plenty of demand from Cork’s catchment area. And it’s not slowing down. According to Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director, the airport is riding a wave of growth, with passenger numbers already up by 10% this year. That means more flights, more destinations, and even more convenience for folks living in southern Ireland who’d rather avoid a trek up to Dublin.

SunExpress slots in as the ninth scheduled carrier at Cork. That’s a pretty big club of airlines for what used to be Ireland’s more regional option. Direct links from Cork cut travel hassle, and the airport’s steady stream of new services is helping chip away at any lingering sense that international trips should start somewhere else.

Izmir itself is worth the excitement. The city is packed with Roman ruins, bustling markets, and a waterfront promenade. It also gives easy access to the Aegean coast’s best resorts, all within a couple hours’ drive. Tour operators and independent travelers alike will find plenty to like about this route. For anyone who used to dread multi-leg journeys and layovers just to see the Turkish Riviera, this is about to make next summer a whole lot smoother.