Ryanair to unveil 12 new Irish routes, including two from Cork

Ryanair will this morning unveil their winter schedule for 2019/2020 which will include 12 new routes from Ireland from next October. Included are extra routes from Cork and extended frequency of summer routes.

The airline’s Chief Marketing Officer Kenny Jacobs told Newstalk Breakfast that these are interesting times in the aviation industry with too many seats in the market and higher fuel costs.

While this is good for customers, it makes it difficult for airlines, he said.

“Smaller airlines are going out of business and we expect more to go out of business this year. Ultimately this will be better for customers as the remaining airlines in the market will be stronger and there won’t be the danger of cancelled flights.”

Ryanair has ‘hedged’ the price it pays for fuel and it has been working hard to improve punctuality because cost and puntuality are the two main issues for customers, he said.

New baggage rules introduced last November have improved punctuality, he added. After initial complaints the system has “settled down” and customers have been “reacting well”.

The number one thing for customers is lower fares and second is punctuality.

Mr Jacobs said that the new system where customers can pay for priority boarding and bring carry on luggage is working, but that one third continue to travel with just a small bag under the seat.

“Punctuality is a big thing and it has improved.”

However, he warned that the biggest cause of delays during the summer is air traffic control disputes.

“We don’t want flights to be delayed or cancelled like last summer.”

Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport said: “We are delighted with today’s announcement from Ryanair and in particular its commitment to extend its new Summer 2019 routes of Budapest, Malta and Poznań for the winter season.

“The extension of services to these destinations means that our customers across the south of Ireland will have even greater choice this coming winter, whether that is for a winter sun getaway, or a European city break. It will also benefit the region as a whole, with inbound visitor potential to key attractions such as the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East. Our business development team continues to work with Ryanair, and our other partner airlines, on further positive announcements, ensuring the continued growth of Cork Airport.”