Aer Lingus Announces Launch of Miami Route in 2017

MIAMI, Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Aer Lingus, the national airline of Ireland, has announced that it will launch first-ever service between Dublin, Ireland and Miami International Airport with three weekly flights beginning on September 1, 2017. The new route will be served by A330-200 aircraft that seats 266 passengers.

"Miami-Dade County looks forward to welcoming Aer Lingus and its passengers to our community," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. "Our residents will soon have nonstop service to the beautiful, historic city of Dublin, as well as to all the connecting flights that city's strategic location provides. Congratulations to Aer Lingus and to MIA, for landing another key international route and for adding to its record number of 107 airlines."

In addition to becoming the 24th European route at MIA, Dublin will be the airport's first pre-clearance trans-Atlantic destination - allowing passengers to have their passports processed and receive U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance before they leave Ireland, arriving in Miami as domestic fliers.

Dublin marks MIA's fourth international route launch announcement for 2017. Mexican low-cost carrier Volaris will launch service on February 1, with four weekly flights to Guadalajara and daily flights to Mexico City. In April, low-cost transatlantic airline WOW air will launch thrice-weekly service to Reykjavík, Iceland, and Italian airline Meridiana will begin two weekly flights to Milan.

The four new airlines in 2017 will add to MIA's current total of 104 carriers – the most at any U.S. airport. MIA is also home to seven low-cost carriers.

"We are extremely pleased to add a Four-Star carrier of Aer Lingus's caliber to our growing roster of airlines," said Miami-Dade Aviation Director Emilio T. González. "We look forward to developing our new connection with Ireland and to strengthening our ties all across Europe."

Aer Lingus is the national airline of Ireland, founded in 1936. It operates 50 aircraft on routes to destinations in the UK, Continental Europe and North America, and carries over 11 million customers per year.

Miami International Airport offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport, is America's second-busiest airport for international passengers, boasts a lineup of more than 100 air carriers and is the top U.S. airport for international freight. MIA, along with its general aviation airports, is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating business revenue of $33.7 billion annually and welcoming 70 percent of all international visitors to Florida. MIA's vision is to grow from a recognized hemispheric hub to a global airport of choice that offers customers a world-class experience and an expanded route network with direct passenger and cargo access to all world regions. MIA is committed to sustainable practices. Learn more at www.MIAefficiency.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Greg Chin 305.876.7017 [email protected] www.miami-airport.com

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SOURCE Miami International Airport