Aer Lingus Launches New Cork to Bordeaux Service, Opening Gateway to French Wine Country

Cork Airport celebrated the launch of Aer Lingus' newest route today as flight EI818 departed for Bordeaux, France shortly after 12:30. The inaugural flight marks the beginning of a thrice-weekly service connecting Cork with one of France's most culturally rich cities and the heart of the world-famous wine region.

The new route, which will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays until 13 September, offers travellers from the south of Ireland direct access to the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Passengers on the first flight were treated to French delicacies including mini croissants before boarding to mark the occasion.

Bordeaux is the second of Aer Lingus' new routes from Cork to begin operations this summer, following the successful launch of services to Bilbao last month. As France's sixth-largest city, Bordeaux serves as an ideal gateway to the renowned vineyards of St. Emillion and the Médoc, the Cognac-producing Charente département, and picturesque Atlantic coastal resorts including Arcachon, Carcans and Andernos-les-Bains.

The UNESCO World Heritage city offers numerous attractions for visitors, including La Cité du Vin, a distinctive wine museum shaped like a decanter, and Cathédrale St-André, one of France's oldest cathedrals dating back to 1096. Art enthusiasts can visit la Musée des Beaux Arts with its Renaissance collections, while history buffs will appreciate la Musée d'Aquitaine's exhibits spanning from the Roman era to modern times.

Tourism Ireland identifies France as Ireland's fourth-largest source market for inbound tourism, with research showing that 16% of French visitors to Ireland in 2023 came from south-west France. The south-west region of Ireland ranks as the second most popular destination for French visitors after Dublin, with approximately 80% seeking historical or cultural sites.

Tara Finn, Head of Aviation Business Development & Communications at Cork Airport, 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."

Reid Moody, Chief Strategy and Planning Officer at Aer Lingus, added:

"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."

The new service will operate until 13 September with fares starting at €62.99 one way including taxes and charges. Tuesday and Thursday flights depart Cork at 12:25, arriving in Bordeaux at 15:15, with Saturday departures at 14:05, arriving at 16:55. Return flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays leave Bordeaux at 15:55, arriving in Cork at 16:45, while Saturday services depart at 17:35, landing at 18:25.

Cork Airport, the fastest-growing airport in Ireland, welcomed 3.1 million passengers in 2024, representing a 10% increase over 2023 figures. The airport is forecasting another 10% growth in 2025, bringing passenger numbers to 3.4 million. It currently offers over 50 routes to the UK and continental Europe and is embarking on a €200 million Capital Development programme to support its growth beyond 5 million passengers annually in the coming years.

Aer Lingus, founded in 1936, operates over 100 routes from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Knock to destinations across Europe, the UK and North America. The 4-star Skytrax-rated airline will operate 24 transatlantic routes in 2025 from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to North America and the Caribbean. As part of International Airlines Group (IAG), Aer Lingus has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and powering 10% of its flights using sustainable aviation fuel by 2030.