Jenny Rafter (Head of Global Leisure Sales, Aer Lingus) spoke with ITTN’s Shane Cullen on current travel trends and the airline’s expanded offering in terms of three new short-haul winter routes for year-round sunshine.
Three New Short Haul Routes this Winter with Aer Lingus
- Marrakesh (RAK): 3 times per week, starting 26th October;
- Malta (MLA): 3 times per week, from 25th Oct; and
- Seville (SVQ): 3 times per week, from 25th Oct.
Furthermore, Jenny highlighted season extensions and increased frequency on routes:
- Faro, Portugal (FAO): 4x per week, Faro is now a year-round destination for the first time since 2018.
- Izmir, Turkey (ADB): 2x per week until the end of Dec 2024.
- Alicante, Spain (ALC): 4x per week through Nov, restarting early Mar 2025.
- Athens, Greece (ATH): 2x per week through Dec, restarting in March.
- Dubrovnik, Croatia (DBV): 2x per week until late Nov, restarting in early Mar 2025.
- Nice, France (NCE): 4x per week until late Nov, restarting in early Mar 2025.
- Palma de Mallorca, Spain (PMI): 3x per week until late Nov, restarting in early Mar 2025.
- Bordeaux (BOD): An additional flight brings the total to 5x per week.
- Lanzarote (ACE): 4 additional flights per week, bringing operations to double daily, making it a year-round destination.
- Tenerife (TFS): 2 additional flights per week, now operating 8x per week, making it a year-round destination.
More Capacity for City Sun & Winter Sun Travel
This winter season, Aer Lingus is significantly expanding and increasing its Euro-Leisure routes, providing customers with more options for a sunny getaway throughout 2024. This is in response to the growing demand for winter sun destinations.
Faro will now operate year-round, four times a week. Nice will be extended until late November, operating four times a week, catering for demand to the glamourous destination into the winter months. Athens, with its rich historical sites including the Acropolis and Parthenon, will be extended into January twice per week, making it a destination served for most of the winter season. Bordeaux, famed for its world-class wine, historic architecture, and culinary delights, will operate will an additional flight bring it to five flights a week.
Hot spots such as Izmir, will be extended to December; and the Canary Islands of Lanzarote, will see four additional flights a week, going double daily, while Tenerife with two additional flights, will operate eight flights per week, making the largest of the Canary Islands an all-round opportunity for its customers.
Aer Lingus’ expanded winter schedule reflects a strong commitment to providing diverse and exciting travel options, ensuring that there is a perfect escape for everyone this winter. Whether you’re seeking the cultural richness of historic cities, the relaxing charm of beach resorts, or the adventure of exploring new destinations, Aer Lingus continues to provide the opportunities to enjoy sunshine, exploration and fun all year-round for their customers.
For more information on Aer Lingus’ winter offerings, visit aerlingus.com.
