Raleigh-Durham, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Aer Lingus has announced a new nonstop service connecting Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Dublin Airport (DUB) starting April 13, 2026. This route will be the first direct flight between the two cities, operating five times a week. The service is part of Aer Lingus’s efforts to expand its North American routes, with fares starting at €299 each way. Travelers can enjoy the benefits of U.S. Preclearance at Dublin Airport, making travel transitions smoother.
Raleigh-Durham – Aer Lingus has announced the launch of a new nonstop service between Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Dublin Airport (DUB), set to commence on April 13, 2026. This service will mark the first direct flight connecting the cities of Raleigh and Durham to Ireland.
The new route is part of Aer Lingus’s most extensive transatlantic summer schedule for 2026. It aligns with the airline’s strategy to increase its presence in the North American market, bringing its total number of routes to North America to 26. The flights from RDU to Dublin will operate five times weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, utilizing the Airbus A321 XLR aircraft, which features 16 lie-flat business-class seats. While the service will be year-round, a reduction to four weekly flights is planned during the winter season.
Fares for the new route will start at €299 each way, including taxes and charges. This pricing is expected to attract both business and leisure travelers, especially since more than 1,000 people currently fly from RDU to Europe daily, with Dublin being the most popular European destination lacking nonstop service.
As part of its broader expansion, Aer Lingus is also set to increase flight frequencies on existing routes from Dublin to New York JFK and Boston to three daily flights. Additionally, flights from Dublin to Nashville and Indianapolis will rise from four weekly to five next summer, while the Dublin to Orlando route will become daily during peak summer season. The airline’s service from Shannon to Boston will see a boost as well, increasing to ten weekly flights during the peak summer period.
Passengers flying on the new RDU to Dublin route will benefit from the U.S. Preclearance facility at Dublin Airport, allowing them to enter the U.S. as domestic passengers upon arrival.
The addition of this route is significant, as the state of North Carolina has a population exceeding 11 million and is known for its natural attractions like the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Outer Banks. Raleigh, the state capital, nicknamed “The City of Oaks,” is rich in culture and home to several museums. Collectively known as the Research Triangle, Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill are also notable for being hubs of major research universities and the Research Triangle Park (RTP).
The new route is expected to enhance tourism and trade between North Carolina and Ireland, reflecting the historical economic and educational ties between the regions. Aer Lingus continues to respond to increasing demand for transatlantic travel, evidenced by a reported 36% increase in U.S. departures compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
With this new service, Aer Lingus is poised to cater to a growing market of travelers seeking direct access to Ireland from medium-sized U.S. metropolitan areas.
Key Features of the New RDU-Dublin Route
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Dublin Airport (DUB) |
| Start Date | April 13, 2026 |
| Flight Frequency | Five times weekly (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays) |
| Aircraft | Airbus A321 XLR |
| Year-Round Service | Yes, with reduction to four flights weekly during winter |
| Starting Fares | €299 each way including taxes and charges |
| U.S. Preclearance | Available at Dublin Airport |
| Population of North Carolina | Over 11 million |
| Total North American Routes | 26 |
FAQ
What is the launch date for the new Raleigh-Durham to Dublin flights?
The new nonstop service is set to start on April 13, 2026.
How often will the flights operate?
The flights will operate five times weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
What type of aircraft will be used for the new route?
The flights will utilize the Airbus A321 XLR aircraft.
What are the starting fares for the new flights?
Fares will start from €299 each way, including taxes and charges.
Will the service be year-round?
Yes, the service will operate year-round, with a reduction to four weekly flights during winter.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Explore North Carolina’s Scenic Coastline
Additional Resources
- The Points Guy
- News Observer
- ABC11
- WRAL
- Travel and Tour World
- Wikipedia: Aer Lingus
- Google Search: Aer Lingus
- Google Scholar: Aer Lingus
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aer Lingus
- Google News: Aer Lingus
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
