Nonstop flights to Ireland coming to IND in early 2025
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The Indianapolis International Airport will once again have a direct connection to Europe next year.
Why it matters: IND has been without direct transatlantic flights since Delta Air Lines service to Paris that launched in May 2018 ended in March 2020 because of COVID-19.
Driving the news: Airport and state and local leaders announced Monday that four weekly Aer Lingus flights to Dublin will begin on May 3. The flight creates connections to 20 destinations beyond the Emerald Isle, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Rome.
The big picture: Gov. Eric Holcomb, who revealed the news from Ireland via a video that played in the airport's Civic Plaza Monday morning, said the new transatlantic flight is part of his Next Level Agenda to connect Hoosier businesses with global markets.
- He added that Ireland is an important partner to Indiana, noting that the state is home to 52 Ireland-based businesses.
- The link between Indiana and Ireland was made stronger with last month's news that Eli Lilly is investing $1.8 billion into its two Irish facilities.
What they're saying: "This direct flight is more than just a route. It's a gateway that strengthens Indiana's ties to Ireland and to the whole of Europe," Holcomb said. "Since day one, our focus has been clear to take Indiana to the world, and bring the world back to Indiana. And this is just yet another big step forward."
Zoom in: Aside from a break in January and February, the Aer Lingus flights will be offered year-round on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
- Flights will operate on the Airbus A321XLR.
- Sixteen business class seats will be offered.
By the numbers: Air service analysis finds that 545 people travel from Indy to Europe daily.
- The Indianapolis Airport Authority estimates that the new service could have an annual economic impact of $50 million on the state's economy.
- According to IAA executive director Mario Rodriguez, Indiana exported more than $750 million worth of goods to Ireland and imported more than $20.8 billion worth of goods from Ireland in 2023.
- "Those economic numbers are huge," Rodriguez said. "It's such a wonderful connection, and it couldn't have been made possible without wonderful ties to our incredible community."
What's next: Travelers interested in Aer Lingus flights to Dublin can click here to book.
- Flights start at $499 round-trip.