Aer Lingus expands transatlantic network with new destination

Aer Lingus is to fly its largest transatlantic schedule next summer with the addition of Raleigh-Durham in North Carolina.

The Raleigh-Durham connection starts on April 13, bringing the total number of routes to North America up to 26. 

The year-round route will operate up to five times a week with new single-aisle Airbus A321 XLR aircraft. Fares start at €299 each way including taxes and charges.

The continued growth of the airline’s North American network is part of a Dublin hub strategy, providing a central gateway between North America, Ireland, the UK and Europe.

Capacity from Dublin to both New York JFK and Boston will be raised to three daily flights next summer.

Frequency is also being raised to Nashville and Indianapolis, which will be served by five flights a week, while Orlando will be served by a daily service in the summer peak.  

Flights from Shannon to Boston will also increase by three a week to 10 in peak summer.

Chief executive Lynne Embleton said: “We’re delighted to be adding Raleigh-Durham International airport to our growing North American network. 

“It’s a vibrant and thriving region with well-established links to Ireland that will be further strengthened with our new direct service.

“In addition to this new route, our 2026 plans reflect another year of growth with increased frequency on our established network, and more choice for our customers. 

“We’ll be serving 26 destinations across North America in 2026, reinforcing Aer Lingus as a popular choice for North Atlantic travel. 

“We’re planning more frequency to popular new destinations Nashville and Indianapolis which launched earlier this year, as well as strengthening our schedule to cities already well established on our network, such as New York, Boston and Orlando.”