Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus will be betting big on a new route between Dublin and Las Vegas in Nevada, US. On May 21, 2024, the carrier announced the commencement of services between the two cities due to start in the autumn of 2024.
Commencing just ahead of the October mid-term school break in the Republic of Ireland and the UK, the first flight is scheduled, to leave from Dublin Airport (DUB) on Friday, October 25, 2024. The new flights will operate three times per week, departing Dublin on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays using the carrier’s fleet of Airbus A330-300 aircraft.
The series of seasonal flights is currently due to end on April 29, 2025 – a period that also happens to cover the main school Easter holidays in Ireland and the UK.
“Aer Lingus is bringing this iconic destination to Irish customers seeking an escape to the winter sun.” said Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus Chief Executive Officer. “In addition to the warm climate, Las Vegas is renowned for being one of the greatest entertainment capitals in the world, famous for its shows, concerts, sports events, and natural wonders.”
“It is a long-held ambition of ours to fly to Las Vegas. The launch of this new Aer Lingus route is a significant moment for us and our customers,” she added.
Feeder flights from several UK and European airports (including Manchester, London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid, Amsterdam, and Dusseldorf) will all offer convenient connections through Dublin onto the new service. The carrier is pitching its new service as the “perfect choice for passengers from Ireland and beyond to experience the glitz, glamour, and excitement of Las Vegas”.
“On behalf of all of Las Vegas, we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Aer Lingus to Las Vegas for the very first time,” said Steve Hill, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “In 2023, our city welcomed more than 52,000 visitors from Ireland, and this direct, nonstop service from Dublin will undoubtedly be a motivation for Irish travelers and visitors throughout Europe to discover everything Las Vegas has to offer. We congratulate Aer Lingus on this expansion and look forward to a very successful partnership.”
According to an Aer Lingus statement, “As a premier North American winter sun and leisure destination, Las Vegas offers an escape from the European autumn chill and is renowned for its spectacular shows, electrifying concerts, thrilling sports events including the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix, and breathtaking natural attractions like the majestic Grand Canyon.”
The announcement comes just a month after Aer Lingus commenced services between Dublin and Minneapolis (MSP) on April 29, 2024, and Denver (DEN) services which started on May 17, 2024. The airline currently operates ten Airbus A330-300s alongside three A330-200s on long-haul routes from Dublin and Shannon.