On May 3, 2025, Aer Lingus, the Irish flag carrier, will provide nonstop service to Dublin, Ireland, flying out four times weekly from Indianapolis. Photo provided.

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS — Joining via video from across the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday, Oct. 21, Governor Eric J. Holcomb joined Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg, Mayor Joe Hogsett and Indianapolis International Airport officials to announce long-awaited and much-anticipated news regarding a new transatlantic flight to Europe.

On May 3, 2025, Aer Lingus, the Irish flag carrier, will provide nonstop service to Dublin, Ireland, flying out four times weekly from Indianapolis.

The new nonstop transatlantic flight is a key part of Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level Agenda in providing a critical link connecting Indiana businesses with global markets.

“Reopening a much needed and frequently requested transatlantic route to our dear friends in Ireland will once again open new opportunities for business and leisure alike. It’s important that Indiana always keep investing in itself, by letting the world know we’re open for business and not even the sky’s the limit to our cultivated connections,” said Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb.

The Aer Lingus nonstop flight will connect Indiana and Europe year-round with service scheduled four times per week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with a short break between January and February. Operating on a state-of-the-art Airbus A321XLR, the Aer Lingus nonstop flight will offer dual class seats, including 16 business class seats.

“Today is further proof of our commitment to bring Indiana to the world, by making air travel convenient whether it’s doing business, visiting loved ones, or experiencing new places domestically or internationally,” said Mario Rodriguez, Indianapolis Airport Authority’s executive director. “And our team has done that once again by diligently pursuing crucial industry conversations and transforming those into a community-wide effort that includes state, city, civic and corporate partners.”

Hoosiers and global businesses will have ready access to the legendary Emerald Isle, and seamless connections to 20 destinations beyond Dublin to major cities in Europe and the United Kingdom, such as Paris, London, Frankfurt, Rome and Amsterdam.

As an added convenience, Dublin Airport is one of only two airports in Europe that provides U.S.-bound travelers with pre-clearance services. Those traveling on nonstop flights to the United States will complete immigration and customs procedures in Dublin prior to their departure and are treated as domestic passengers in Indy on arrival.

Air service analysis shows an average of 545 people travel from the Indianapolis area to European destinations daily. By attracting Indiana’s new year-round transatlantic flight, the IAA estimates that this new air service could have a more than $50 million annual impact on Indiana’s economy.

“With Indianapolis’ vibrant industries and rich cultural heritage, and Dublin’s strategic position as a gateway to Europe, this new route will facilitate partnerships and opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic. The direct connection will ensure smoother travel for business and leisure travellers while also strengthening cultural and commercial ties between the two regions. The route will be operated by a new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, offering greater fuel efficiency, comfort and the latest in-flight technology for customers,” said Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus’ chief executive officer.

Indiana is home to more than 1,090 foreign-owned business establishments, representing more than 40 countries and territories. In 2023, foreign-owned companies committed to investing $20.49 billion to locate or expand operations in Indiana – a 182% increase from 2022 and 71% of the IEDC’s total committed capital investment in 2023 – and create approximately 8,500 new Hoosier jobs.

While there were already strong, strategic economic connections between Indiana and Ireland, the recent news of Eli Lilly’s $1.8 billion investment into their two Irish facilities truly emphasizes the growing demand for a nonstop flight from Indy to Dublin. Additionally, Indiana is home to 52 Ireland-based businesses.

“Indiana’s economy has been on an unprecedented trajectory of growth,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg. “In 2023, foreign direct investment made up 70 percent of all committed capital investment in the state. Our partners in Ireland and Europe have been a significant part of the growth we’ve experienced. This new transatlantic route will only add to that growth and open up Indiana to vast new opportunities.”

The Indianapolis International Airport has been named the best airport in North America for the twelfth consecutive year by Airports Council International, and recently was named the number one medium-sized airport in North America by J.D. Power, it’s  seventh time overall receiving this top ranking.

Including this new route, the Indy airport now offers nonstop service to 50 destinations. IND is also on track to break a record with more than 10 million passengers this year.

“The addition of this direct international flight allows Indianapolis to further expand its presence in the global community,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “Whether it is for leisure or business, Indianapolis is ready and eager to welcome visitors from overseas to our city and hope they take advantage of all Indianapolis has to offer.”

Established in 1936, Aer Lingus is Ireland’s flag carrier, and is certified by Skytrax as a four-star airline, putting it in an exclusive class among the elite company of 40 other 4-star airlines globally.

Aer Lingus partners on specific routes with Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, JetBlue and United Airlines. The Irish airline serves over 100 global destinations including over 16 U.S. cities such as Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles, San Francisco and more.

To book a nonstop flight on Aer Lingus from the Indy airport to Dublin, click here.