Key Takeaways
• KLM adds a third daily flight between Cork Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol in Winter 2025.
• Aer Lingus ends Cork–Amsterdam route in March 2025, leaving KLM as sole direct carrier.
• Cork Airport reports 15% passenger growth; new KLM service boosts business and tourism.
KLM Expands at Cork Airport: Third Daily Service to Amsterdam Schiphol Set for Winter 2025
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced a major expansion at Cork Airport, introducing a third daily flight to Amsterdam Schiphol starting in Winter 2025. This move comes after Aer Lingus decided to end its Cork–Amsterdam route in March 2025, leaving KLM as the only airline offering direct flights between Cork and Amsterdam. The new service is expected to start in the coming months, with the exact date to be confirmed soon.
This development is important for travelers, businesses, and the tourism sector in Southern Ireland. The extra daily flight will help keep Cork connected to one of Europe’s biggest airports, making it easier for people to reach over 150 destinations worldwide. The change also helps fill the gap left by Aer Lingus, ensuring that passengers still have plenty of options for flying between Cork and Amsterdam.
Why Is This Expansion Happening Now?
The decision by KLM to add a third daily service is closely linked to recent changes in the local aviation market. In March 2025, Aer Lingus, a major Irish airline, will stop flying between Cork and Amsterdam. This move is part of a larger plan by Aer Lingus’s parent company, IAG, to send more connecting passengers through London Heathrow instead of Amsterdam. As a result, KLM will become the only airline flying this important route.
KLM’s expansion is a direct response to this change. By adding another daily flight, KLM aims to:
- Maintain and possibly increase the total number of seats available between Cork and Amsterdam
- Support both business and leisure travelers who rely on this route for work, holidays, and family visits
- Strengthen Cork’s role as a regional hub, making it easier for people in Southern Ireland to reach destinations all over the world
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this move is expected to have a positive impact on the region’s economy and international connections.
What Does the New Schedule Look Like?
As of July 2025, KLM already operates two daily flights between Cork Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol. With the new third daily service, the total number of weekly flights will rise to 21. This expanded schedule will offer:
- More flexibility for travelers, with flights spread throughout the day
- Better connections at Amsterdam Schiphol, allowing passengers to catch onward flights to North America, Asia, Africa, and other parts of Europe
- Improved options for same-day returns, which is especially helpful for business travelers
The exact times for the new flights will be announced soon. Once the schedule is finalized, tickets will be available on the KLM website, through travel agents, and on major booking platforms.
Cork Airport’s Growing Importance
Cork Airport has seen strong growth in recent years. In June 2025, the airport reported a 15% increase in passenger traffic, reaching a record 355,000 passengers for the month. The Cork–Amsterdam route is now the airport’s third busiest, after London Heathrow and London Stansted.
More than 208,000 passengers traveled between Cork and Amsterdam in 2023, up from 160,000 in 2019. This growth shows how important the route is for the region. The extra KLM flight is expected to help keep this momentum going, especially as more people travel for work, study, and holidays.
How Does This Affect Passengers?
For travelers, the main benefits of the new KLM service include:
- More flight choices each day, making it easier to find a time that suits your schedule
- Better connections to KLM’s global network at Amsterdam Schiphol, which is one of Europe’s largest and busiest airports
- Continued direct access to Amsterdam, even after Aer Lingus stops its flights
Passengers can book tickets for the new service as soon as the schedule is confirmed. For the latest updates, travelers should check the Cork Airport website and KLM’s official channels.
If you have questions about bookings, flight changes, or travel requirements, KLM’s customer service team is available through their website and contact center.
Impact on Tourism and Business
The extra daily flight is expected to be a big boost for both tourism and business in Southern Ireland. Tourism groups have welcomed the news, saying it will help attract more visitors from the Netherlands and other countries that connect through Amsterdam. With better flight times and more seats, it will be easier for tourists to visit Cork and the surrounding region.
Business groups also see the expansion as a positive step. Many companies in Cork and the wider area rely on good air links to Europe and beyond. The new KLM service will make it easier for business travelers to reach meetings, conferences, and trade events in other countries. It will also help local companies connect with customers and partners around the world.
What About Immigration and International Travel?
For people traveling between Ireland 🇮🇪 and the Netherlands 🇳🇱, or using Amsterdam Schiphol as a hub to reach other countries, the new KLM service offers several practical benefits:
- Easier connections for long-haul flights: Amsterdam Schiphol is a major hub for flights to the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, Asia, Africa, and other parts of Europe. The extra daily flight from Cork means travelers have more options for catching connecting flights.
- Simpler travel for students and workers: Many people from Ireland 🇮🇪 travel to the Netherlands 🇳🇱 for study or work. The new service makes it easier to plan trips, attend interviews, or visit family.
- Better support for visa and immigration needs: Travelers who need to apply for visas or deal with immigration paperwork can benefit from more flexible flight times. For example, if you need to attend an appointment at a consulate or embassy in Amsterdam, having more flights each day gives you more options.
For official information on travel requirements between Ireland 🇮🇪 and the Netherlands 🇳🇱, including visa rules and entry conditions, travelers can visit the European Union’s official travel portal.
Why Did Aer Lingus Withdraw from the Route?
Aer Lingus’s decision to stop flying between Cork and Amsterdam was part of a larger plan by its parent company, IAG. The group wants to send more connecting passengers through London Heathrow, which is a major hub for its network. By focusing on Heathrow, Aer Lingus can better connect its flights with those of its partner airlines.
While this move makes sense for Aer Lingus’s business strategy, it left a gap in direct flights between Cork and Amsterdam. KLM’s expansion helps fill this gap, ensuring that travelers in Southern Ireland still have direct access to one of Europe’s top airports.
What Are the Broader Implications?
The changes at Cork Airport show how airline decisions can have a big impact on local communities, businesses, and travelers. When one airline leaves a route, another may step in to fill the gap, but this is not always guaranteed. In this case, KLM’s decision to add a third daily flight helps keep Cork connected to the world.
For the region, this means:
- Continued access to global markets: Businesses can keep trading and working with partners in Europe and beyond.
- Support for local jobs: More flights mean more work for airport staff, ground handlers, and related businesses.
- Growth in tourism: Easier access for visitors can help hotels, restaurants, and attractions in the Cork area.
What Do Industry Experts Say?
Aviation analysts have pointed out that KLM’s move is important for Cork’s future. By keeping a direct link to Amsterdam Schiphol, Cork Airport can offer travelers a gateway to more than 150 destinations worldwide. This is especially important for a region that relies on good transport links for its economy.
Tourism experts also expect the new service to bring more visitors to Southern Ireland. With better flight times and more seats, it will be easier for people from the Netherlands 🇳🇱 and other countries to visit Cork for holidays, events, and business trips.
What Should Passengers Do Next?
If you plan to travel between Cork and Amsterdam, or use Amsterdam Schiphol as a connecting hub, here are some practical steps:
- Watch for the official start date: The exact date for the new third daily KLM flight will be announced soon. Keep an eye on the KLM and Cork Airport websites for updates.
- Book early: Once the new flights are available, book your tickets early to get the best prices and flight times.
- Check travel requirements: Make sure you have the right documents for your trip, especially if you need a visa or have special travel needs.
- Contact customer service if needed: If you have questions about your booking or travel plans, reach out to KLM’s customer service team for help.
Looking Ahead: Future Growth at Cork Airport
The addition of a third daily KLM flight is expected to be a permanent change, as long as there is enough demand. Cork Airport’s management is also talking to other airlines about adding more international routes in the future. This could mean even more options for travelers in the coming years.
Airport officials will keep a close eye on passenger numbers and feedback to see if more changes are needed. If the new KLM service is popular, there could be further increases in flight frequencies or new destinations added.
Multiple Perspectives on the Change
- Passengers: Will enjoy more choice, better flight times, and easier connections to the rest of the world.
- Tourism sector: Expects a rise in visitor numbers, helping local businesses and attractions.
- Business community: Welcomes the improved access to European and global markets, making it easier to do business internationally.
- Aer Lingus: Has not given a detailed public explanation for its withdrawal, but industry experts say it is part of a larger network strategy.
Where to Find More Information
For the latest updates on the new KLM service and other changes at Cork Airport, travelers can visit:
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Cork Airport
- European Union Travel Portal (for visa and travel rules)
Travelers are encouraged to check these official sources regularly, as flight schedules and travel requirements can change.
Conclusion: What This Means for Southern Ireland
KLM’s decision to add a third daily flight between Cork Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol is a big win for the region. It keeps Southern Ireland connected to one of Europe’s main airports, supports local tourism and business, and gives travelers more choice and flexibility. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this move is expected to help the region grow and stay connected to the world, even as airline networks change.
With more flights, better connections, and strong support from local stakeholders, Cork Airport is well positioned for future growth. Travelers, businesses, and the tourism sector all stand to benefit from this important development. For anyone planning a trip between Cork and Amsterdam, or beyond, the future looks bright with KLM’s expanded service.
Learn Today
Amsterdam Schiphol → Major international airport in the Netherlands, serving as a key European travel hub.
Aer Lingus → Ireland’s national airline, ceasing its Cork-Amsterdam service in March 2025.
Connecting flights → Flights allowing passengers to transfer between planes at major hubs like Amsterdam Schiphol.
IAG → International Airlines Group, parent company of Aer Lingus, managing route strategies.
VisaVerge.com → Analysis platform providing insights on travel and regional economic impacts.
This Article in a Nutshell
KLM is expanding flights at Cork Airport with a third daily route to Amsterdam from Winter 2025, filling Aer Lingus’s gap and enhancing global connectivity for travelers and businesses in Southern Ireland.
— By VisaVerge.com
