Aer Lingus’s affair with the Airbus A321XLR continues, with a new route planning to be launched – this time with to Nashville, TN.
Off to Nashville with your friendly Aer Lingus Crew – Image, Aer Lingus.
The new route will commence on 12th April 2025 and will operate four weekly flights on Aer Lingus’ new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, connecting Ireland to one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, known as s “Music City” for its deep-rooted musical heritage, as well as connecting to businesses and people in the region.
The journey will take around 9 hours and 5 minutes on the outbound, and 8 hours and 10 on the inbound. It is planned for the route to be offered year-round, with a brief six-week suspension in January and February.
All U.S.-bound customers will also clear US customs & immigration facilities at Dublin airport. The service allows customers to pre-clear all US immigration and customs formalities, meaning you’re effectively on US soil once you’re cleared, and arrive as a domestic passenger.
Tickets for Aer Lingus’ Dublin to Nashville flights go on sale today (4th October). Lead-in prices start from €499 return including taxes and charges.
As well as creating new connections for travel between Ireland, Nashville and the wider state Aer Lingus also offers seamless connections through Dublin to 22 destinations across Europe, including London, Edinburgh, Rome, Amsterdam, Paris, Manchester and Berlin.
In Quotes
Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus’ Chief Customer Officer, commented:
“We are thrilled to add Nashville to our expanding North American network, offering Irish customers direct access into one of the most exciting and culturally rich cities in the United States. The connection between Irish and American country music runs deep and Nashville’s iconic status as the capital of country music makes it a dream destination for music lovers. Its fast-growing fashion, finance, healthcare and automotive industries also offer plenty of opportunities for business travellers.”
Doug Kreulen, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) said:
“A new chapter in travel history begins today as Music City and the Emerald Isle are linked by a nonstop flight through our exciting new partnership with Aer Lingus.
“Nashville’s legendary music scene and Dublin’s rich history make this a natural pairing. This nonstop flight will offer travelers an unforgettable opportunity to experience the best of both worlds, from exploring Ireland’s stunning landscapes and ancient ruins to immersing themselves in Nashville’s vibrant Broadway experience. It’s the perfect combination for those seeking adventure, culture, and a truly unforgettable journey.”
Freddie O’Connell, Mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, added:
“I am thrilled to see Music City connect to the Emerald Isle and excited for Nashvillians and Dubliners to experience what each city has to offer – both our similarities and what makes us unique. Nashville’s increased travel options afford us the opportunity to show visitors all that makes Nashville such a vibrant and welcoming city – and for Nashvillians to experience the rich history of a city like Dublin.”
Let’s see if they can make it work
In many ways, I’m not surprised that Aer Lingus has chosen a North American destination – it’s where its primary long-haul fleet goes back and forth.
Nashville is an interesting destination – currently served internationally by British Airways (which operates a wide-bodied service to Nashville), Air Canada, and Flair Airlines, with Icelandair planning to spin up services next year.
Aer Lingus was originally meant to be the launch operator of the Airbus A321XLR – but several reasons and issues meant that sister IAG carrier, Iberia, would launch the type instead.
Let us hope that all the issues that delayed that launch have been ironed out so that this planned service can go ahead and deliver the “long and thin” dreams that Aer Lingus wants to hit and achieve.
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