New Dublin flights from Inverness set to restore Highlands gateway to America

Direct flights between Inverness and Dublin are set to return from May.

The new service, with Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Emerald Airlines, was announced on Friday and will operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays.

Launching on May 21, the flights have been scheduled to provide onward connectivity via Dublin to Aer Lingus transatlantic services, including routes to New York and Boston, during the summer season.

Inverness Airport manager Dan Mason said the return of the route would be welcomed by passengers across the region.

“It is exciting to see the return of direct flights between Inverness and Dublin, restoring a route that has been missed by passengers across the Highlands and Islands,” he said.

“This service not only reconnects the region with Ireland’s capital but it also provides onward access to North America via Aer Lingus transatlantic flights, including New York and Boston, with convenient connection times through Dublin.”

He added: “Welcoming Aer Lingus to Inverness for the first time is a positive step for regional connectivity and passenger choice, and we are thrilled to work with the airline as the route launches and develops.”

Ian Lough, head of commercial at Emerald Airlines, said the carrier was confident the route would prove popular.

“We are delighted to be commencing this new connection to Dublin and have no doubt it will be a popular one,” he said. “We look forward to working with our partners at Inverness Airport to ensure the success of this route.”

The new service marks Inverness Airport’s first route with Aer Lingus and is seen as a further step in improving connectivity and choice for passengers across the Highlands.