SunExpress, a joint venture of Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, launched their new service from Cork Airport to Izmir for summer 2025 on 31 May Saturday . To mark the occasion, departing passengers were treated to a selection of Turkish-style snacks at a special celebratory event hosted by Cork Airport.
Cork Airport Head of Aviation Business Development & Communications, Tara Finn stated “We’re thrilled to celebrate the inaugural SunExpress flight to İzmir, which is a brilliant addition to our summer route network. Based on market research, we noted very strong demand for a direct Turkish route, and I would like to thank SunExpress for working with us to introduce this new service. SunExpress is the ninth and newest airline to operate at Cork Airport and I have every confidence that the new İzmir route will perform very well indeed.”
SunExpress Head of Sales Tobias Bracht, said “We are thrilled to launch our very first route from Cork Airport to Izmir, marking a significant milestone in our expansion and our commitment to our Irish operation. This new service not only expands our network but also gives travellers from Cork an exciting new gateway to explore the vibrant culture, history, and experiences that Izmir has to offer. We’re dedicated to delivering high-quality travel experiences, and this route is another step in delivering meaningful travel opportunities for Irish passengers.”
SunExpress is the newest airline to commence operations at Cork, Ireland’s fastest-growing airport, where year-to-date passenger traffic is up 14% compared with the same period (January – May) last year.
This new, direct service will give SunExpress passengers the opportunity to fly twice weekly from Cork on Wednesdays and Saturdays to Izmir on 189 seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Izmir is a lively Aegean city with a laid-back charm, offering a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Travelers can explore the Roman Agora, stroll along the Kordon Promenade for stunning views of the Aegean Sea. For more history, Ephesus, a well-preserved ancient city and an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is close by where travellers can visit the Library of Celsus and the impressive ancient theatre. The House of the Virgin Mary, believed by many to be her final resting place, is also located close to Ephesus. Adventurers can enjoy sports activities like windsurfing in Alacati while Urla is a haven for gastronomy tourism, boasting vineyards and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Image Credit: SunExpress
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 2 June 2025 All Rights Reserved
