Aer Lingus adds three new destinations to their 2024 summer schedule: Sicily, Crete and Turkey    

• 4 million seats are on sale from 21^st Dec 2023 – 15^th Jan 2024
• Up to 25% off flights to European and UK destinations
• North American flights starting at €179 each way as part of a return trip
• Flights on new routes to Sicily, Crete and Turkey will also be on offer starting Dec 21^st, 2023

Dublin, 21st December: The Aer Lingus January sale is here, offering over 4 million discounted seats on 2024 flights from December 21^st 2023 to January 15^th 2024. Kick off the new year on a high note with up to an incredible 25% off flights to Europe and the UK. North American flights are also available, starting at just €179 each way as part of a return trip.

Aer Lingus has also announced the expansion of its European route network for summer 2024, introducing three new routes to Mediterranean hotspots: Heraklion in Crete, Catania in Sicily, and Dalaman in Turkey – adding to new destinations announced in 2023 of Kos in Greece, Olbia in Sardina, and Brindisi in Italy. These exciting new routes are all part of the exclusive January sale offerings, with Dalaman taking off on 6th April, Catania in Sicily making its debut from 1st May, and Crete commencing on 2^nd May.

Each year, the Aer Lingus January Sale is a pivotal calendar moment for every savvy holidaymaker. According to Aerlingus.com, January emerged as the go-to month for holiday bookings in 2023, with peak website traffic recorded on Wednesday 11^th January 2023. The top 3 European destinations booked in January 2023 were Malaga, Faro, and Paris for EU flights, while JFK, Boston, and Chicago dominated as the most-travelled transatlantic destinations throughout the entire year. Additionally, the most-travelled summer sun destinations in 2023 included Malaga, Faro, Lanzarote, Tenerife, and Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. This trend solidifies the fact that Irish tourists consistently prioritise sunshine as the ultimate motivation for their travels, making these destinations perennial favourites throughout the year.

Reid Moody, Chief Strategy and Planning Officer at Aer Lingus: "We are thrilled to unveil new European routes as part of our January Sale, allowing our passengers to embark on journeys to diverse and culturally rich destinations. In navigating the evolving preferences of travellers, Aer Lingus is absolutely committed to providing cost-effective and desirable options for our valued customers. Our fleet expansion in 2023 carries us into summer 2024 with a mix of exciting new routes and increased frequency on core routes."

Looking ahead, travel trends unveiled by Skyscanner show that in 2024, ‘exploration’ will take centre stage. This desire for new travel experiences can be fulfilled with Aer Lingus’ new routes to Crete, Sicily, or Turkey, promising to satisfy any traveller’s cultural curiosity. If you're a food enthusiast, elevate your taste buds in Rome, Barcelona, or Nice, where divine pasta, wine, and tapas await. The rhythm of travel and music will guide many an unforgettable experience in 2024, Skyscanner also highlights the rise of "Gig Tripping" as a prominent trend in 2024 travel. With renowned artists embarking on European tours from January 1st onwards, Aer Lingus is committed to providing extensive short-haul travel options to ensure Irish concertgoers can catch their favourite acts in Amsterdam, London, Lisbon, Paris, and many other European cities throughout 2024.

What to expect from the exciting new destinations on offer as part of the 4 million seats available in the 2024 January Sale:

Crete: Crete’s capital Heraklion on the eastern side of the island offers a captivating blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local culture. The city itself is a lively hub with bustling markets, charming cafes, and authentic tavernas offering delicious Cretan cuisine. Beyond the urban allure, the Heraklion region encompasses picturesque beaches, providing a multifaceted and unforgettable holiday experience.

Sicily: The White Lotus has firmly established Sicily on the map as a must-visit European destination, and Aer Lingus is delighted to re-establish its Catania route to round out its Italian offering for the Irish market. Catania is the closest gateway to Mount Etna and Taormina, a region very popular with Irish sunseekers and global travellers alike. With its warm Mediterranean climate, pristine beaches, Catania promises an enchanting and diverse experience for all who choose to explore this extraordinary corner of Sicily.

Dalaman: Visitors to the Dalaman region of Turkey can anticipate a holiday infused with natural beauty, historical intrigue, and warm hospitality. Located on the southwestern coast, Dalaman boasts pristine beaches along the Turquoise Coast, inviting Irish wanderers to unwind against a backdrop of crystal-clear waters and lush landscapes. The region's vibrant markets and authentic Turkish cuisine offer a sensory delight, while its strategic location makes it a gateway to further adventures in central Europe and beyond.

The addition of these three destinations to the Aer Lingus January Sale schedule reflects a commitment to providing their passengers with access to culturally rich sun-drenched destinations at affordable prices.

Visit www.aerlingus.com for more on the Aer Lingus January Sale. Start 2024 with unforgettable travel experiences!

/ENDS

Notes to editors:

January sale information

Book Europe/UK flights for an unforgettable journey travelling between February 1st and June 13th. Alternatively, plan a stateside adventure and secure your seat to North America starting at just €179 for travel between April 1st and May 31st.

New European Routes schedule

• Dublin - Heraklion, Crete: twice per week, Monday and Thursday, commencing 6^th May to 26^th September.
• Dublin - Dalaman, Turkey: twice per week, Tuesday and Saturday commencing 6^th April to 26^th October.
• Dublin - Catania, Sicily: three per week, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 1^st May to 29^th Sept CTA

Transatlantic Destinations from Ireland, summer 2024

• New York, JFK (Dublin and Shannon)
• Newark, New Jersey
• Boston (Dublin and Shannon)
• Washington, DC
• Hartford, Connecticut
• Philadelphia
• Orlando, Florida
• Chicago
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Seattle
• Toronto
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Minneapolis St-Paul (commencing April 29th, 2024)
• Denver Colorado (commencing May 17^th, 2024)

Transatlantic Destinations from Manchester, summer 2024

• New York, JFK
• Orlando

*2024 trend report:

SKYSCANNER_TravelTrends2024