Aer Lingus To Lead The Way In Expanding Transatlantic Travel With New Dublin To North Carolina Flights Starting Next Summer

Published on September 20, 2025

Aer Lingus is launching a new year-round service between Dublin and North Carolina in April 2026 to meet growing demand for travel between Ireland and the U.S. This expansion strengthens the airline’s North American network, offering more travel options and connectivity, particularly to the southeastern U.S. region, which has seen significant growth in both business and leisure travel. The new route aims to provide greater convenience for passengers seeking direct access to Raleigh-Durham, one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the U.S.

Aer Lingus, an Irish airline, is set to launch a new year-round transatlantic route between Dublin and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, starting in April 2026. This will mark the carrier’s 26th North American destination. The route will operate up to five times a week, utilizing the airline’s Airbus A321 XLR aircraft, which is known for its long-range capability. The new service will offer travelers increased connectivity between Ireland and the southeastern United States, expanding the airline’s presence in the North American market.

In addition to the new Raleigh-Durham route, the airline is enhancing its operations on existing transatlantic services. This summer, Aer Lingus will increase its flight frequencies to both New York’s JFK Airport and Boston Logan International Airport. The airline will introduce a third daily flight on each of these routes, further strengthening its connections between Dublin and two of the most popular U.S. destinations. The new flights will operate with a late evening departure from Dublin and late-night returns from New York and Boston, offering more flexibility for passengers traveling between Ireland and the U.S.

Aer Lingus is also boosting its service on other North American routes. The frequency of flights from Dublin to Nashville and Indianapolis will increase to five times per week, providing more opportunities for travelers heading to these midwestern cities. Additionally, during the busy summer months, the airline will offer daily flights to Orlando, one of Florida’s most popular destinations, catering to both leisure travelers and families. Flights from Shannon to Boston will also see an increase in frequency, with the addition of extra services to make the route available up to ten times per week during the peak season.

This expansion of Aer Lingus’ U.S. network is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its position in the transatlantic market, particularly as demand for international travel continues to grow. The airline, a member of the International Airlines Group (IAG), has been working to enhance its offerings between Ireland and North America, which has long been one of the most important markets for the carrier. The new routes and increased frequencies are expected to meet growing demand, offering more choices for passengers flying between Ireland and various U.S. cities.

The introduction of the Raleigh-Durham route is particularly significant, as it opens up a new gateway to the southeastern U.S., providing access to North Carolina’s capital region. Raleigh-Durham is a major hub for both business and leisure travelers, with a thriving tech industry and many cultural and recreational attractions. The region has seen significant growth in recent years, making it an attractive destination for international visitors. By adding this route, Aer Lingus is tapping into the expanding travel demand in the southeast, providing convenient options for both business professionals and tourists.

The increased frequency on the New York and Boston routes, along with the additional services to Nashville, Indianapolis, and Orlando, reflects the airline’s commitment to providing more flexibility and convenience for its customers. With more flights available, passengers will have greater options for scheduling their trips, whether they are traveling for business, leisure, or family reasons. The timing of these flights, especially the late-night departures, caters to the needs of travelers looking to maximize their time and minimize layovers, offering a more efficient way to travel across the Atlantic.

As travel demand continues to recover, Aer Lingus’ investment in expanding and optimizing its transatlantic network is a response to the shifting dynamics of global air travel. The airline’s strategic focus on strengthening its presence in North America aligns with the growing trend of increased connectivity between Europe and the U.S. The additional services also reflect the airline’s confidence in the ongoing recovery of international tourism and business travel.

The introduction of the Dublin-Raleigh-Durham route in April 2026, along with increased frequencies on several other key North American routes, marks an exciting chapter for Aer Lingus as it expands its footprint across the Atlantic. The airline’s commitment to offering more options and greater flexibility for passengers underscores its strategy to enhance its competitive edge in the busy transatlantic market. As travel to and from North America continues to thrive, Aer Lingus is well-positioned to meet the growing demand, providing passengers with more choices and better connectivity between Ireland and the U.S.