On May 19, Aer Lingus initiated its non-stop service between Dublin (DUB) and Cleveland (CLE). This significant milestone marks the company’s first new service since 2019. Due to a thriving economy and the total elimination of travel restrictions, a rising demand from European and Irish customers has been noted, reflecting in the airline’s transatlantic bookings.
Related: Aer Lingus Resumes Non-Stop Flights to Connecticut after a Three-Year Absence
The maiden flight, Flight EI 87, was facilitated by an Airbus A321LR registered as EI-LRA. The aircraft left Dublin Airport (DUB) at 16:05 local time, touching down at Cleveland’s Hopkins International Airport (CLE) at 18:50 after a 7 hours and 45 minutes flight.
Cleveland (CLE) last witnessed transatlantic services by Icelandair and WOW Air in October 2018, offering non-stop flights from Reykjavik (KEF). This new route by Aer Lingus serves as a gateway for travelers from Ohio’s second largest city to Europe and North America.
Aer Lingus Dublin-Cleveland Flight Schedule
- Flight EI 87: Dublin – Cleveland, DUB 15:30 – CLE 18:50, Operates on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
- Flight EI 86: Cleveland – Dublin, CLE 20:20 – DUB 08:50+1, Operates on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
This route is served by the Airbus A321LR with a seating capacity of 184 across two classes (16 Business Class/168 Economy). Promotional fares start from USD 632 one way. The airline reports a 90% booking rate for the peak summer season on this route.
Additionally, Aer Lingus provides easy connections to key European cities including Amsterdam, Paris, Düsseldorf, Rome, Brussels, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Birmingham.
In the words of Lynne Embleton, Chief Executive of Aer Lingus: «The introduction of the Cleveland route showcases our commitment to expanding Dublin as a hub, a strategic component of Aer Lingus’ growth plan. We are experiencing a 20% surge in transatlantic bookings, which signifies a strong demand from U.S. passengers for travel to Ireland and Europe. We are addressing this demand with our largest ever transatlantic schedule, offering over 2.25 million seats this summer«.