Cork Airport Adds Second Turkish Route as SunExpress Launches Antalya Service

Cork Airport continues its expansion with the announcement of a new twice-weekly direct service to Antalya, Turkey, starting next summer. The route, operated by SunExpress, will give southern Ireland travellers another gateway to the Turkish Riviera's stunning coastline and ancient heritage sites.

The new service to Antalya will commence on 16 May 2026 and operate through 24 October 2026, with flights departing every Tuesday and Saturday. This announcement comes just days after SunExpress launched its inaugural Cork to İzmir service, marking the airline's rapid expansion at Ireland's fastest-growing airport.

Antalya, positioned on Turkey's southern coast, serves as the gateway to the renowned Turquoise Coast. The destination offers visitors pristine golden beaches, crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, and remarkable historical sites including the ancient cities of Perge and Aspendos. The region also boasts world-class resorts, championship golf courses, and an exceptional culinary scene that blends traditional Turkish flavours with Mediterranean influences.

SunExpress, which earned the title "Europe's Best Leisure Airline" from Skytrax in both 2023 and 2024, continues to strengthen its presence at Cork Airport. The airline offers flexible fare bundles designed to meet diverse passenger needs, including various baggage allowances, seat reservations, and booking flexibility options.

Tara Finn, Head of Aviation Business Development & Communications at Cork Airport, said:

"Having just celebrated the first SunExpress service to İzmir last weekend, it's fantastic to be able to announce yet another direct service to Turkey for next summer – this time to Antalya. SunExpress is our ninth and newest airline and is a valued partner as we continue to grow our route network, offering more choice for our loyal and valued customers from across the South of Ireland."

Tobias Bracht, Head of Sales at SunExpress, said:

"We're delighted to announce this new route to Antalya so soon after launching flights to İzmir. This expansion offers travellers from Southern Ireland greater opportunities to discover the beauty and culture of Turkey. We remain committed to providing exceptional travel experiences, and our new Antalya route marks another important step in delivering the choice, value and convenience of SunExpress' services to Irish passengers."

The airline caters to various travel preferences beyond traditional beach holidays, including cultural tourism, archaeological expeditions, culinary experiences, and sports travel. Tickets for both İzmir and Antalya destinations are now available through sunexpress.com and established tour operators across Ireland.

This latest route addition reinforces Cork Airport's position as a key aviation hub for the south of Ireland, providing direct access to increasingly popular Mediterranean destinations that were previously accessible only through connecting flights.