Cork-Brussels route to resume in 2015
The airline confirmed the move last night, just days before its suspends the route for the winter season.
The carrier has been under fire since its announcement in August that it was axing the service for the winter season.
Fears were expressed at the time that the service would not resume, with business groups, companies, hoteliers, politicians and members of the public mounting a sustained campaign to persuade the airline to reverse its decision.
Frenchman Gregory Baillet, who works in Belgium and who used the service to commute to see his family in Cork most weekends, started an online campaign which, last night, had over 800 signatures of support.
The Irish Examiner confirmed last night the service will resume from March 30, operating twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays.
“We evaluate route performance throughout our network on an ongoing basis,” an Aer Lingus spokesperson said.
“We are currently in the process of finalising our summer 2015 schedule.
“We are delighted to say the Cork to Brussels route will operate from the end of March twice weekly, Monday and Friday.”
Cork Chamber welcomed the news, but said bigger issues need to be tackled.
“It is a positive development,” chief executive Conor Healy said. “But it doesn’t override the significant challenges that still exist for Cork Airport, and the uncompetitive position it is in.”
Fianna Fáil Cllr Tom O’Driscoll also welcomed the news and urged tourism groups to promote and support the route.
“We must all redouble our efforts to ensure this is a year-round route.”
