Spanish carrier Iberia Express is to expand its Cork Airport to Madrid Barajas route by 5pc for Summer 2018. The move means that the service will operate twice weekly from June 1 to September 15, compared to June 2 to September 9 this year.
The announcement brings a second year of successive growth to the route that was launched in 2016. Iberia Express will operate the route on an Airbus A320 aircraft, with 180 seats.
Cork Airport’s Head of Aviation Marketing, Daragh Hanratty, said: “The expansion creates 11,680 seats between Cork and Madrid for 2018. This route continues to prove longevity from both an inbound and outbound perspective, with 300,000 Spanish passengers travelling to Ireland last year.”
Trevor Martin, Iberia Express, with then Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Spanish Joanne Murphy and Niall Gibbons in Madrid in January
He added: “This increase marks overall growth of 15pc on the Cork to Madrid service.” Passengers will be able to fly via Madrid to many of Iberia Group’s destinations in Spain plus long haul to Buenos Aires, Mexico City and Sao Paulo.
Iberia Express’ Chief Commercial Officer, Trevor Martin, said: “The growth of this route is testament to the popularity of Madrid as a destination for Irish customers, and to the popularity of Ireland for our Spanish customers. Iberia Express’ increase in the twice-weekly service will facilitate growth in both the inbound and outbound markets of Cork and the South of Ireland.”
Iberia Express’ announcement follows those made by Aer Lingus and Stobart Air, Volotea and Swiss for expansion and growth from Cork Airport for Summer 2018.
