Aer Lingus announces new Indianapolis-Dublin route starting May 2025

Before the pandemic, Delta Air Lines offered flights from Indianapolis to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), but those services ceased in early 2020. The airport has since seen an increase in flight activity, with seat availability projected to rise by 6% in 2024 compared to 2023.

Currently, Indianapolis offers international short-haul flights to Cancun International Airport (CUN) via American Airlines and Southwest Airlines and to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) through Air Canada.

The introduction of the A321XLR enables airlines like Aer Lingus to connect smaller U.S. cities with European destinations more efficiently due to its range capabilities. The aircraft also provides airlines with cost-effective options compared to larger wide-body jets.

Earlier this month, Aer Lingus announced another route using the A321XLR from Nashville. Meanwhile, Iberia plans to launch its first XLR route from Madrid to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) this November.

Aer Lingus' current operations include narrow-body jets servicing East Coast destinations. With the A321XLR's extended range, they can now explore routes further west that previously could not support larger aircraft.

An analysis by regional leaders indicates that an average of 545 passengers travel daily from Indianapolis to Europe.

For those interested in booking Aer Lingus flights using points or miles, there are several transfer options available through credit card rewards programs such as American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards points directly into AerClub.