On May 10, 2024, Delta Air Lines commenced a new service between Dublin to Minneapolis-St Paul, joining Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus on the route between the Irish capital and the ‘Twin Cities’.
The new daily flights link the two cities on a daily basis with Delta using Boeing 767-300ERs on the route. The flights depart Dublin Airport (DUB) at 1200 and arrive at Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) at 15.35 local time (DL115). The flights to Ireland (DL114) depart Minneapolis at 22:00 arriving in Dublin at 10:45 the following morning.
Delta’s 45-strong fleet of Boeing 767-300ERs is configured to carry 216 passengers in a three-class layout – 26 in business, 18 in premium economy, and 172 in economy.
The new route comes as demand for travel between Ireland and the United States is soaring, according to daa, the operator of Dublin Airport. Along with the new flights to Minneapolis alongside services to New York-JFK, Boston, and Atlanta, Delta will be offering almost 12,500 weekly seats between Dublin and the United States during the northern summer of 2024.
“Today marks the inaugural flight of Delta Air Lines’ new direct service from Dublin to Minneapolis, adding another exciting chapter to our longstanding relationship with Delta,” said Gary McLean, Managing Director for Dublin Airport. “As the Managing Director of Dublin Airport, I am thrilled to be part of what is a great day for both Delta and the airport.”
According to a Dublin Airport statement, “Delta Air Lines has been a key partner of Dublin Airport for nearly four decades, initially establishing a direct route between Dublin and Atlanta in 1988. Throughout this time, Delta has been instrumental in facilitating travel between Ireland and North America, contributing significantly to the airport’s growth, and serving millions of passengers.”
“With its vibrant culture and thriving business community, offers an array of attractions for passengers, including the renowned Mall of America and the prestigious Minneapolis Institute of Art. Dublin Airport is committed to providing world-class facilities and experiences, exemplified by the US pre-clearance facilities available for Delta flights, ensuring seamless journeys for passengers, the statement adds.
The commencement of Delta services to Minneapolis comes just two weeks after Aer Lingus began its own direct services on the route. The renewed flights (which were halted following the pandemic) began on April 29, 2024, and operate four times weekly, using either Airbus A330-200s or A330-300s depending on demand.
Speaking at the time of the launch, McLean said the restart of the route is good news for both passengers and the Irish economy.
“The return of this route will further enhance tourism and trade between Ireland and the US. We have been working closely with Aer Lingus to grow its North American business, and the reintroduction of this route is a testament to that partnership,” he said.