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The Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, has welcomed the announcement by Aer Lingus of a new Miami-Dublin route.
Minister O’Donovan said: “The Miami metropolitan area is the eighth largest in the United States with a population of 5.5 million, and the announcement today by Aer Lingus of a direct route between Miami and Dublin opens up an exciting new opportunity for growth in overseas visits from the United States to Ireland.”
The announcement brings to 13 the number of transatlantic routes operated by Aer Lingus.
In addition to the new Miami-Dublin route, Aer Lingus also announced that it will increase capacity on existing transatlantic routes from Chicago, Los Angeles and Orlando.
Commenting on the expansion of capacity, Minister O’Donovan said: “It is a reflection of Ireland’s quality as a tourism destination that Aer Lingus is adding these additional flights to meet increased demand. The Ireland tourism brand and our key tourism experiences of Dublin – A Breath of Fresh Air, Ireland’s Ancient East, and the Wild Atlantic Way, are proving to be highly effective in stimulating interest in visiting Ireland among consumers in the United States and other key overseas markets.”
Minister O’Donovan is delighted with the positive announcements made by Aer Lingus today regarding its new services and positive financial performance throughout 2016. When the government sold its shares in Aer Lingus to IAG in September 2015, the airline had some ambitious plans regarding the expansion of its business. The Minister is very pleased to see that the business has not only met these targets, but surpassed its previous growth forecasts by adding three new transatlantic routes and three additional aircraft during the year. The Minister is delighted to see the business grow from strength to strength, as was the intention with the sale of the business, and looks forward to its continued growth and success.