Aer Lingus to launch one-stop transatlantic flights from Southend
Aer Lingus Regional is to launch flights from Southend to Dublin, offering onward connections to transatlantic services.
From May 10, the airline will offer three daily services which will connect with Aer Lingus flights from Dublin to New York, Boston, Chicago and Orlando.
Flights between Southend and Dublin will be operated by Aer Lingus’ franchise carrier Aer Arran, which has been rebranded Aer Lingus Regional.
Aer Arran launched its first passenger flights from Southend last March after the airport’s owner – Stobart Air- invested in the airline.
Nevertheless, Aer Arran suspended its twice daily service from Southend to Galway last October due to a deterioration in bookings.
The new flights to Dublin are being sold to passengers living in Essex and East London as offering easy access to the US. They will have access to US Customs and Immigration pre-clearance facilities at Dublin Airport, which means they can avoid queues when they arrive in the States.
Southend Airport managing director Alastair Welch, said: "We are delighted to welcome Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Aer Arann to London Southend, offering a fantastic new route and taking the number of destinations available from this airport up to 15 from this summer.
" Dublin is a popular and welcome addition to the services we offer, especially with the very exciting potential for convenient onward journeys to the U.S.A."
Southend Airport plans to start work expanding its passenger terminal this year, after signing a 10-year deal with easyJet. The low-cost airline will start flying to nine destinations from the airport next month.
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps