Aer Lingus’ inaugural flight to Bordeaux departed from Cork Airport on 15 May. The Flight EIN818 took off shortly after 12:30 operated by Airbus A320-214 EI-DVK msn 04572. To celebrate the occasion, passengers travelling on the first flight had the opportunity to indulge in some French cuisine before boarding, as they were treated to mini croissants and other delicacies.
Aer Lingus Chief Strategy and Planning Officer Reid Moody said “Aer Lingus today launches a brand-new route from Cork to Bordeaux, offering another popular European destination for customers in the south of Ireland to explore. Following the success of our Cork to Bilbao route which took off last month, the addition of Bordeaux, renowned for its culture, world-class wines and rich history, is a popular destination for Irish travellers. As a gateway to the south of France, Bordeaux is the perfect addition to our summer schedule, promising unforgettable experiences for customers seeking a European adventure.”
Cork Airport Head of Aviation Business Development & Communications, Tara Finn said “Bordeaux is one of France’s most iconic cities. We are thrilled to offer direct access to Bordeaux city and wider Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. There is so much to see and do in this amazing city – including learning about the region’s world-famous wine production, wandering amongst the quaint boulevards and squares, or simply soaking in the essence of continental café culture.”
As the sixth largest city in France, the new Aer Lingus service to Bordeaux offers connectivity with the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, home to some of the world’s finest vineyards including those at St. Emillion and the Médoc. The wider Bordeaux metropolitan area is home to 1.4 million people and this new route will offer “Bordelais” visitors an opportunity to fly directly to Ireland’s scenic south, the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
According to Tourism Ireland, France is Ireland’s fourth-largest so urce market for inbound tourism and research showed that in 2023, 16% of French visitors to Ireland originated from south-west France. Tourism Ireland research also notes that after Dublin, the south-west region of Ireland was the second most popular destination for French visitors, with 8-in-10 seeking to explore historical or cultural sites.
The new service operates three times weekly from 15 May to 13 September using 174 seat Airbus A320-200 aircraft.
Image Credit: Cork Airport/John Allen
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