Aer Lingus Expands Transatlantic Routes with New North Carolina Service

Aer Lingus has announced a significant expansion of its transatlantic network, introducing a new direct service from Dublin to Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina. This route, set to commence in April 2026, is part of the airline’s largest ever summer schedule for transatlantic flights, reflecting its commitment to meet rising demand.

The new service to North Carolina marks a notable addition to Aer Lingus’s long-haul offerings, which have seen the introduction of ten new routes over the last four years. This expansion is not limited to new destinations; the airline is also increasing capacity on several existing routes. For summer 2026, Aer Lingus will operate third daily flights from Dublin to both New York JFK and Boston, providing travelers with more options for late evening departures.

Strategic Growth in North America

The upcoming route to Raleigh-Durham will connect the cities of Raleigh and Durham directly to Ireland for the first time, enhancing links for the region’s population of over 11 million. The service will operate up to five times weekly on Aer Lingus’s new Airbus A321 XLR aircraft, aligning with the airline’s broader Dublin Hub strategy, which serves as a key gateway between North America, Ireland, the UK, and Europe.

Lynne Embleton, CEO of Aer Lingus, stated, “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.” This route is expected to cater to various travelers, including tourists, business professionals, and students.

In addition to the new North Carolina route, Aer Lingus will boost frequencies for its recently launched services to Nashville and Indianapolis, increasing flights from four to five per week. The airline is also set to enhance its schedule to Orlando, moving to daily flights during the peak summer season. Services from Shannon to Boston will increase to ten weekly flights, reflecting the airline’s strategic focus on expanding its North American offerings.

Connecting Cultures and Economies

The new Dublin-Raleigh service is timely, coinciding with the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin. The University of North Carolina (UNC) will face off against Texas Christian University (TCU) in this much-anticipated matchup, which serves as the opening weekend for the NCAA college football season. Last year’s classic attracted nearly 23,000 visitors from the U.S. to Ireland, highlighting the potential for increased tourism and cultural exchange.

Michael Landguth, President and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, expressed enthusiasm about the new service, stating, “Dublin is a high-demand international destination for travelers from the Research Triangle region, and we are proud that Aer Lingus has chosen RDU for this nonstop service. The Aer Lingus flight will provide a quick and convenient journey to Ireland and beyond for tourism, business, and educational opportunities.”

Through this expansion, Aer Lingus is reinforcing its position as a leading choice for transatlantic travel, with plans to serve a total of 26 destinations across North America in 2026. The airline’s commitment to increasing frequency and enhancing customer choice underscores its ambition to meet the evolving needs of travelers in a competitive market.