Latest news with #AerLingus
Irish Independent
12 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Big increase in winter flights at Dublin Airport expected after cap suspended
The number of seats that will be available on flights in and out of the capital will rise to just under 17.9 million for the season, a 23pc increase on last winter. Last winter, just under 14.4 million seats were set to be made available by carriers as the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) decided to limit numbers to ensure Dublin Airport adhered to its annual 32 million passenger cap. While the number available next winter is expected to shoot back up to 17.9 million, that is still below the near 18.4 million that were being made available for winter 2023-2024. Aer Lingus intends to have more than 4.7 million seats available this winter. That's 560,000 more than last winter. Ryanair will have 7.54 million, compared with the 6.25 million it had last season. Other international operators, from Gulf carriers Emirates and Etihad to US airlines including United, Delta and American, will have hundreds of thousands of extra seats available between them. Dublin Airport's passenger cap is due to a planning condition attached in 2007 to the construction of Terminal 2. However, this year Dublin Airport will handle about 36.3 million passengers, following decisions by the High Court that effectively paused the cap while certain matters related to aircraft take-off and landing slot allocations are being examined by the European Court of Justice. It is not likely to deliver a ruling on those matters until summer next year. Dublin Airport's slots are managed by UK-based firm Airport Coordination. Its initial co-ordination report for the coming winter period, which covers October 26 to March 28 next year, shows the dramatic increase in the planned seat availability now that the IAA cannot, for the time being at least, limit the number at Dublin Airport. The report shows there was demand for 103,020 take-off and landing slots for the season, with 102,754 allocated. New slots for the period were requested by a slew of airlines, from Aer Lingus and Ryanair, to Hainan Airlines, Emirates and Etihad. Ryanair remains by far the biggest operator at Dublin Airport for the season, with 39pc of allocated slots for the winter. Aer Lingus has 23pc. Emerald Airlines, which operates the Aer Lingus Regional service, has just under 13pc. The largest non-Irish long-haul carrier out of Dublin is United Airlines, with 1,080 slots for the winter, followed by Emirates and Qatar Airways. The report from Airport Coordination notes that some new destinations which intended to be operated next winter include routes to Albania's capital, Tirana, as well as to Rabat in Morocco and a direct service to Derry. The Government has pledged to have the cap removed. While Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien has suggested legislation will be brought forward in the autumn to address the cap, it could take some time before it is removed. Dublin Airport is set for its busiest ever summer, with passenger numbers expected to surpass 10 million for the season. It expects to have a number of days where passenger numbers will significantly exceed 100,000.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Aer Lingus launches new winter cities sale during heatwave with cheap Christmas market spots from €31
AER Lingus has launched a major winter sale with flights to top Christmas market spots from €31. The Irish airline has slashed flights to a number of destinations across 1 Passengers can book their Christmas market flights early Credit: PA:Press Association Passengers can travel to top spots including Frankfurt, Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Zurich, Geneva and Milan from €31.20. The valid travel period is from October 1 to April 30. Aer Lingus said: "With a multitude of destinations waiting to be explored, there's lots to look forward to across Europe!" "Check out our incredible European city break offers – fly from only €35.99." READ MORE IN TRAVEL And Aer Lingus has issued a major warning to a number of their loyal customers who may be The Irish airline is reminding its three million AerClub members to check their account balances. So far this year, AerClub members saved over €3million using Avios to book flights with They can also use their Avios to save money on upgrades, hotels and other travel experiences. Most read in News Travel Avios is the reward currency of AerClub and can be collected when members fly with Aer Lingus and partner airlines, as well as when they shop with affiliated retailers including Deliveroo, Brown Thomas, ASOS, I'm an Aer Lingus flight attendant - here's a look at our newest flight direct to US destination from Dublin AerClub members can also collect Avios seamlessly by linking their Whether you're grabbing a coffee at Jump Juice, hopping on an Aircoach, or bagging some holiday essentials at Lifestyle Sports or Skechers, you'll collect Avios on each purchase, bringing you closer to your next adventure. Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer, Susanne Carberry said: "At Aer Lingus, we are committed to rewarding our loyal AerClub members in meaningful ways. "All our members can secure discounts through Pay with Avios or redeeming Reward Flights, allowing them to use their Avios to maximise their benefits and make every journey more rewarding. "From booking flights and upgrading to Business Class to unlocking unique travel extras, we encourage our members to explore the full potential of Avios and turn their travel dreams into reality." TRAVEL HACK Frequent flyers will also love this And it's available at three busy airports this summer. The Irish airline has been offering an evening bag drop perk that is perfect for early morning flyers. With many sunrise flights leaving every day, airport lines can build up quickly. But If you are leaving in the early morning, you can now check in your bag the evening before your flight. This perk works perfect for anyone who lives nearby or is staying close to the airport.
Irish Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Post
Aer Lingus partners with Dr Norah Patten ahead of historic space mission
AER LINGUS has confirmed a new partnership with Mayo woman Dr Norah Patten who is set to become the first Irish person ever to go to space. The Irish airline has agreed a two-year deal in which it will provide travel for Dr Patten as she makes regular trips between Ireland and North America to prepare for her space mission. In June 2024 it was revealed that Dr Patten, who hails from Ballina, but now lives in Dublin, had been selected as one of three research astronauts who will fly to space on Virgin Galactic's new Delta Class spaceship. Dr Norah Patten (Pic: Naoise Culhane) The commercial flight is being planned by the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS) to advance the scientific knowledge and operational insights gained from their inaugural IIAS-01 research spaceflight with Virgin Galactic which took place in 2023. The crew of their second flight, which is due to launch in 2026, will include IIAS bioastronautics researchers Kellie Gerardi of the United States, Dr Shawna Pandya of Canada, and Ireland's Dr Patten. 'Aer Lingus is proud to announce its partnership with Dr Norah Patten as she prepares for her groundbreaking mission to become the first Irish person in space,' the airline said this week. 'With a shared commitment to building new connections and inspiring exploration, Aer Lingus will partner with Norah as she prepares for her first ever research spaceflight,' they added. IIAS bioastronautics researchers Dr Shawna Pandya of Canada, Kellie Gerardi of the United States and Ireland's Dr Norah Patten (Pic: Virgin Galactic) 'A trained aeronautical engineer and passionate champion of STEM education, Norah has devoted herself to inspiring future generations of scientists, engineers, and trailblazers,' they explained. 'As she moves closer to making history, Aer Lingus has pledged its support through a two-year partnership, ensuring she can travel between her home in Ireland and North America—the hub of her groundbreaking research preparation.' In advance of her spaceflight, Dr Patten is undergoing intensive training and conducting advanced research at the National Research Council (NRC) in Canada, working alongside her fellow researchers, Dr Pandya and Ms Gerardi. The Irish woman previously admitted her dream of going to space started when she first visited the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland at the age of 11. Dr Norah Patten and colleagues pictured at the Irish Embassy in Canada (Pic: Now destined to become the first Irish person in space, she will continue to travel between Dublin and North America as she prepares for her spaceflight. Her preparation has included spacesuit testing and evaluation, microgravity research, as well as undertaking high-G flights designed to experience gravitational force. 'My mission to become the first Irish person in space is a huge undertaking and I'm grateful to Aer Lingus for their support on my journey,' Dr Patten said this week. 'As the flag carrier of Ireland, Aer Lingus has long inspired people to travel and to explore new destinations,' she added. 'This partnership with Aer Lingus will enable me to travel seamlessly to North America to continue my practical preparation and research, with each step bringing me closer to making this dream a reality. 'Together, I hope we can ignite the imaginations of young dreamers, encouraging them to undertake their own adventures – wherever they may be.' Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus Chief Executive Officer, said the company's vision aligns perfectly with Dr Patten's. 'At Aer Lingus, our mission is to connect people, places, and possibilities - and Dr Norah Patten's extraordinary journey to become the first Irish person in space is the perfect embodiment of that spirit,' she said. 'Her determination proves that with ambition, dedication, and the ability to dream big, anything is possible,' she added. 'We are immensely proud to support Norah as she embarks on this historic journey over the next two years. 'This is a once-in-a-generation milestone for Ireland, and we have no doubt that her mission will inspire people across the nation and beyond to pursue their own aspirations. 'Norah is a true trailblazer, paving the way for Irish women in STEM and leaving a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.' See More: Aer Lingus, Dr Norah Patten, Space, Virgin Galactic
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Meath author shines light on reality for women during wartime in newly launched book
The book blends historical and anecdotal research with fiction voices to tell the stories of women whose lives were utterly changed by war. 'When an army invades a country, the men in that country have a certain perspective on what will happen to them. Women will have a totally different and frightening perspective on what may happen to them and their young daughters,' Sean said. He tells the story based on inspiring women that he met during his time in India post war, whilst volunteering as an engineer development worker. Sean had left his home in Laytown, Co, Meath in 1980 to spend what he thought would be six months volunteering in India. However, he instinctively felt at home there and made long-term connections, which resulted in a six year visiting stint. Sean still keeps in touch with many friends living in India and continued to visit during his time in Ireland working as an aircraft engineer for Aer Lingus. He has since retired and focuses on writing. 'Irish people are a bit peculiar, I took to India at the time I visited as if I had been there before. There was no culture shock and I feel Irish people integrate very well when they go places. 'I still have a strong bond for India and I try to visit as much as I can. It's amazing how it gets into your system. For other people, it might be Spain or France but for me it's India,' Sean said. The main fictional protagonist in the newly launched book is a young female doctor, Doctor Meena, and is based on two real-life doctor acquaintances. One is a female doctor captain in the Pakistan Army, based in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), during the 1971 War of Liberation. The other woman was involved in the treatment and counselling of women who had been subjected to the whole spectrum of assaults on women. ADVERTISEMENT The third medic in the story is a German nun based on a woman who was a hospital sister in Germany during World War II. People in her town were fearful of being overrun by the American or Russian armies at the time. 'It seems that nothing has changed in today's wars, as we view assaults on medics and innocent civilians in daily news reports. Niramaya is inspired by the experiences of these people. 'Any villages I visited, it always seemed to be the women who were at the forefront of building health centres or schools so the book is a composite of those really strong women I have met and have been really impressed by,' Sean said. While the book tells the stories of women living through war, the plot is anecdotal and inspiring, with Sean's intention for it to be picked up by as many women as possible.
Extra.ie
5 days ago
- Business
- Extra.ie
Passenger numbers to U.S 'fall off cliff' with Aer Lingus slashing fares to as little as €200
Passenger fares for flights to the US have nosedived, with economy tickets to major American cities such as New York and Chicago now selling for just over €200. Aer Lingus is currently offering fares as low as €209 economy class to popular US destinations, while business-class prices have been slashed to as low as €800. The massive price drop comes as many travellers opt to avoid the US amid ongoing political turmoil there. US president Donald Trump. Pic:Traditional business-class travellers are particularly affected as some corporations advise employees to 'avoid US business trips' as much as possible, according to senior corporate sources. The Trump administration's tightening of its border policy, coupled with riots that have broken out in Los Angeles and other cities, is believed to be contributing to the decline in transatlantic travel. One high-level decision-maker for a leading pharmaceutical company said they have put a 'hard pause' on business travel to the US in the short term. The US-based CEO said of the stricter immigration controls: 'It's causing total chaos. Getting a visa is now a job in itself. Then, even if you do get a visa, when you get there, there's no guarantee you'll get in. 'Or if you do, you may face being interrogated at the point of entry and be asked to hand over your devices. 'The reality is that people who go to the US in order to conduct business expect hassle-free travel, as doing deals at a high level is in itself a highly stressed environment. So at our level, we've taken an executive decision to 'hard pause' non-essential travel for the foreseeable.' Los Angeles County Sheriffs stand at their positions as law enforcement clashes with demonstrators during a protest following federal immigration operations, in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles, California on June 7, 2025. (Photo by RINGO CHIU/AFP via Getty Images) The slump in business-class travel has been further negatively affected by the decline in corporate travellers from the UK, who would transit through Irish airports, who are also avoiding travel to the US. Tickets for flights to JFK Airport in New York at various dates throughout September, October and November were available for €209 this weekend. The cost of upgrading to business class on the same flights comes to around €800. In less turbulent times, a business-class seat could cost upwards of €1,800 one way. Flights bound for Chicago O'Hare International Airport were also following a similar price pattern with basic seats starting at around €200. Business-class seats were selling for €798. Tánaiste Simon Harris. Pic:for Empire State Realty Trust The slump in transatlantic travel comes as US president Donald Trump's regime continues to beef up its vetting process for travellers to the US, from the visa application stage right up to point of entry into American cities. Earlier this month, secretary of state Marco Rubio's office instructed US consular officers to ask visa applicants to set all social media accounts to public in the event they need to be reviewed as part of the vetting. Last month the US Citizenship and Immigration Service issued a statement announcing it will be taking into account 'antisemitic activity on social media' as 'grounds for denying immigration benefit requests'. Mr Trump's tariff threats and his upending of traditional transatlantic diplomatic ties have also affected the numbers now travelling to the US.
