The Aer Lingus inaugural flight to Dublin lifted off this evening from Indianapolis

Indy airport hosted an Irish send-off in full-on festive fashion

INDIANAPOLIS (May 3, 2025) – It was a festive event at Gate A4 in the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) this evening, as Aer Lingus landed its new nonstop transatlantic flight from Dublin, Ireland – arriving early evening in Indy with passengers from Dublin Airport (DUB), and heading out again around 8 p.m. with a plane load of happy Hoosier passengers headed to the Emerald Isle.

The Indy airport hosted a combined welcome and sendoff gate event that included an Ireland preview centered around Irish culture, honored speakers and live performances. Guests enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere filled with traditional music and dance from local artists.

“This is a big day for our team here at the Indy airport,” said Mario Rodriguez, Indianapolis Airport Authority executive director. “Our air service team worked diligently over the past five years to secure this opportunity, pursuing crucial industry conversations and transforming those into a full-scale community effort to connect Indy nonstop to Ireland and 20 other European cities.”

Saturday’s celebration of the new Dublin nonstop flight also included an Aer Lingus appearance at Indiana University Health Foundation’s Rev event, where guests walked the green carpet (rather than the famed red), and posed for Aer Lingus-themed photo opportunities.

“Rolling out the green carpet for Rev at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Aer Lingus is the perfect way to celebrate this historic launch in the city,” said Megan Carrico, IAA senior director of public affairs. “This nonstop flight brings Indy closer to the heart of Europe, and we’re thrilled to see our city take its place on the global runway.”

The Aer Lingus Dublin flight gives Hoosiers and global businesses ready access to all that Ireland has to offer, and seamless connections to major cities in Europe and the United Kingdom, such as Paris, London, Frankfurt, Rome and Amsterdam.

“At Aer Lingus, our mission is to strengthen connectivity between North America and Europe,” said Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus chief executive officer. ”This new direct flight between Indianapolis and Dublin is a significant milestone for our airline, bringing the number of transatlantic routes we fly to a total of 24. Indianapolis is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States and a vibrant hub for business, sports, and culture. With this new service, Aer Lingus will offer the only direct flight connecting Indianapolis to Europe, fostering stronger business, cultural, and sporting ties across the Atlantic.”

As an added convenience, Dublin Airport is one of only two airports in Europe that provides preclearance services for U.S.-bound travelers. Those traveling on nonstop flights to the United States will complete immigration and customs procedures in Dublin prior to their departure and are treated as domestic passengers in Indy on arrival.

Indiana’s Irish Economic Connection
Air service analysis shows an average of 545 people travel from the Indianapolis area to European destinations daily. By attracting Indiana’s new year-round transatlantic flight, the IAA estimates that this new air service could have a more than $50 million annual impact on Indiana’s economy.

Indiana is home to more than 1,090 foreign-owned business establishments, representing more than 40 countries and territories. In 2024, 34 foreign-owned businesses based across 16 countries committed to locating or growing in Indiana. Together, these firms plan to invest more than $3.4 billion and create more than 3,331 new jobs with an average wage of $32.60/hour.

While there were already strong, strategic economic connections between Indiana and Ireland, the recent news of Eli Lilly’s $1.8 billion investment in their two Irish facilities truly emphasizes the growing demand for a nonstop flight from Indy to Dublin. Additionally, Indiana is home to 52 Ireland-based businesses.

“This new connection between our capital city and Ireland opens up new pathways for Indiana businesses and residents alike while creating countless opportunities for our economy, tourism industry and communities,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Adams. “There is no better time than May – a month that welcomes race enthusiasts from across the world for one of the most iconic sporting events – to celebrate this new flight and showcase the incredible culture and vibrant future of our state.”

Established in 1936, Aer Lingus is Ireland’s flag carrier, and is certified by Skytrax as a four-star airline, putting it in an exclusive class among the elite company of 40 other 4-star airlines globally. Aer Lingus partners on specific routes with Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, JetBlue and United Airlines. The Irish airline operates 24 transatlantic routes from Dublin, Cork and Manchester, UK, connecting with US cities such as Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and more.

To book a nonstop flight on Aer Lingus from the Indy airport to Dublin, click here.

MEDIA MATERIALS: Event video/images available here.
About the Indianapolis Airport Authority
The Indianapolis Airport Authority owns and operates Indiana’s largest airport system in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. In addition to the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), its facilities include the Downtown Heliport, Eagle Creek Airpark, Hendricks County Airport-Gordon Graham Field, Indianapolis Regional Airport and Metropolitan Airport. IND generates a $7.5 billion total annual economic impact to the state of Indiana – without relying on state or local taxes to fund operations. The IAA is a “Best Place to Work in Indiana.” More than 11,000 people work at the airport each day, and nearly 54,000 jobs statewide have a connection to the airport. In 2024, IND served more than 10.5 million business and leisure travelers. IND is consistently ranked, year after year, as the best airport in North America and the nation based on ease of use, passenger amenities, customer service, local retail offerings and public art. The airport is home to the world’s second-largest FedEx operation and the nation’s eighth-largest cargo facility. To join the award-winning team, visit IND.com/Careers.