Aer Lingus Expands Network with New Flights to Popular US Destination

Irish airline, Aer Lingus, has announced plans to expand their long-haul flight network next year. The new route will operate five times a week and will provide Scots with the opportunity to travel directly to Raleigh, North Carolina. This will be the 26th route from Aer Lingus to North America.

The new flights will be available from two Scottish airports, Glasgow and Edinburgh, and will commence in April 2026. The service will connect Raleigh and Durham directly to Ireland for the first time, providing a convenient and efficient travel option for both tourism and business purposes.

The year-round route will be operated by the new Airbus A321 XLR aircraft and will connect the wider State of North Carolina, with a population of over 11 million, to the UK, Ireland, and Europe. The decision to add this new route was influenced by the deep economic, financial, and educational connections between Ireland and North Carolina, as well as the shared heritage due to the significant foundations in early Scots-Irish migration.

Michael Landguth, President and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, expressed his excitement for the new route, stating that Dublin is a high-demand destination for travellers from the Research Triangle region. He also highlighted the convenience and accessibility that the new service will provide for both tourism and business opportunities.

Aer Lingus CEO, Lynne Embleton, also shared her enthusiasm for the new route, stating that they are delighted to add Raleigh-Durham International Airport to their growing North American network. She emphasized the strong links between Ireland and North Carolina and the potential for further growth and development with the new direct service.

In addition to the new route, Aer Lingus has plans for further growth and expansion in 2026, with increased frequency on established routes and the addition of new destinations such as Nashville and Indianapolis. This will bring the total number of destinations served by Aer Lingus in North America to 26, cementing their position as a popular choice for transatlantic travel.

Overall, the new route to Raleigh, North Carolina is set to provide Scots with a convenient and efficient way to travel to this popular US destination, while also strengthening the economic and cultural ties between Ireland and North Carolina.