Aer Lingus Regional will launch double-daily return flights between Leeds Bradford and Dublin on October 23, marking the airline’s return to the West Yorkshire airport after a gap of 14 years.
The new service, to be operated by Stobart Air, is aimed at business travellers, the Irish community and US-bound passengers who will be able to connect onto transatlantic flights at Dublin.
Aer Lingus Regional expects to carry up to 70,000 customers annually on the new service, which will connect to Aer Lingus’ flights to New York, Boston, Chicago, Orlando, San Francisco and Toronto.
Dublin Airport is one of only two airports in Europe to offer passengers flying to the US immigration and customs preclearance, so they can save time when they arrive in the States.
Stobart Air managing director Julian Carr said: "We hope this service will continue to facilitate the long established Irish community which has thrived near the city centre of Leeds for nearly 200 years.
"Today’s announcement is part of the growth of our airline and reflects the ongoing success of our franchise partnership with Aer Lingus.
"Leeds and Bradford have thriving business communities. The availability of a double daily return service to the business capital in Ireland means our business passengers will benefit from a convenient schedule which accommodates a day return."
