New Flight Routes From Ireland For 2026
Looking for somewhere new to travel this year? We have listed all the new flight routes from Ireland for 2026.
17 new flight routes have been announced from Irish airports in 2026. The latest additions offer a varied mix of experiences, from watching an NFL game in Pittsburgh, chasing the northern lights in Tromsø, Norway to soaking up the sun along the Turkish coast in Antalya, ensuring there is something to suit every kind of traveller on this list.
With the added new route from Dublin to Tirana, Albania that means all but three European capitals now have direct flights from Dublin (counting Switzerland’s capital airport as Zurich), just Podgorica, Pristina and Sarajevo to go – thanks to Eoghan Corry’s latest column for that one!
I’ve listed to 17 new flight routes from Ireland for 2026 below, but if we finally see the end of the controversial passenger cap at Dublin airport, there may be more new flight routes to follow!
New Flight Routes from Dublin Airport
Dublin to Cancun, Mexico
Carrier: Aer Lingus Commencing: 6th January 2026
¡Viva México! Jet off to the stunning Caribbean coast of Mexico with the new Aer Lingus direct service from Dublin to Cancun. Soak up the sun with a refreshing margarita in hand, enjoy delicious tacos, or venture out to see the wonder of the world, Chichén Itzá. Swim in crystal-clear cenotes, or explore the nearby islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres – there’s no shortage of things to do in the Cancun area.
Aer Lingus will fly to Cancun three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays until April.
Read: The Ultimate Mexico Resort Guide – The Best Resorts To Choose For A Holiday To Cancun
Read: Where To Stay In Mexico – 12 Of The Best Hotels In Cancun And Surrounding Areas
Dublin to Tromsø, Norway
Carrier: Aer Lingus Commenced: 3rd December 2025
Known as the Gateway to the Arctic, Tromsø offers the picture perfect winter wonderland experience, along with a charming city and one of the best opportunities to see the Northern Lights. Choose from activities like husky dog-sledding, whale watching or fjord cruises – one thing for sure is you won’t be left wanting for things to do in Tromsø.
Aer Lingus will fly from Dublin to Tromsø twice weekly until March.
Dublin to Tirana, Albania
Carrier: Ryanair Commencing: 2nd April 2026
Albania has become one of Europe’s most on-trend destinations in recent years, praised for its historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, low cost of living, and pristine beaches – often dubbed the “Maldives of Europe.” While many visitors head straight to the southern coast around Ksamil and Sarandë you will still have a four hour drive from the capital to the coast.
Tirana itself offers plenty to explore. Highlights include Skanderbeg Square, Bunk’Art’s insight into the country’s communist past, panoramic views from the Pyramid of Tirana, and relaxing walks in Grand Park by the Artificial Lake. Just outside the city, a cable car to Mount Dajti or nearby hiking trails adds easy nature escapes, with day trips even extending to Ohrid in North Macedonia.
Ryanair will operate this service twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays until mid October.
Read: Top 10 Things To Do In Albania And Where To Stay
Dublin to Montpellier, France
Carrier: Aer Lingus Commencing: 19th May 2026
Montpellier is a lively city in southern France, known for its stunning medieval architecture, sunny climate, and vibrant nightlife. The historic centre is famous for Place de la Comédie, a grand pedestrian square, and its narrow cobblestone streets lined with cafés and shops.
The Mediterranean beaches are just 10–15 minutes away, perfect for a quick escape from the city. Art lovers can also visit the Fabre Museum to explore an impressive collection of fine art.
Aer Lingus will fly from Dublin to Montpelier twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Dublin to Turin, Italy
Carrier: Aer Lingus Commenced: 27th December 2025
Turin is a stylish city in northern Italy, known for its elegant architecture, rich history, and world-famous chocolate and coffee culture. It was Italy’s first capital and has a slightly quieter vibe compared to Rome or Milan.
Turin is a great base for winter sports. The Alps are less than an hour’s drive away, with ski resorts in Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx, and Bardonecchia offering slopes for all levels. So you can easily combine city sightseeing with a day (or more) on the slopes.
This flight service will operate twice weekly on Saturdays and Sundays until the end of March.
Dublin to Asturias, Spain
Carrier: Aer Lingus Commencing: 2nd May 2026
Asturias, in northern Spain, is a region of striking natural beauty, known for its lush green landscapes, rugged coastline, and the dramatic Picos de Europa mountains. With a mild Atlantic climate, it’s an ideal coolcation with scenic hiking trails, unspoiled beaches, and charming coastal towns.
Read: 10 Coolcations in Europe – Summer Holidays to avoid the heat
The region also lies along the Camino del Norte, one of the most scenic routes of the Camino de Santiago, passing through several Asturian coastal towns. Rich in culture and tradition, Asturias combines historic cities like Oviedo with hearty local cuisine, traditional cider, and a relaxed, authentic atmosphere that makes it perfect for travellers seeking nature and local character over crowds.
Aer Lingus will fly from Dublin to Asturias twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Dublin to Oslo, Norway
Carrier: Aer Lingus Commencing: 2nd May 2026
Oslo, Norway’s capital, is a compact city full of culture, history, and natural beauty. The latest tourism video has gone viral for its sarcastic ‘is it even a city’ approach. It is famous for having innovative architecture and museums – two of the biggest art museums in Europe have just opened there.
Oslo is also a green city – more than half of it is covered by parkland. Explore the modern waterfront at Aker Brygge, stroll along the fjord, or even go island hopping – there are 40 islands within the city limits!
The flight will operate by Aer Lingus 4 times weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
New Flight Routes to the USA from Dublin
Dublin Airport will have a record 33 direct services to 24 airports in the USA this year, plus another seven services to Canada, and Shannon Airport has five services to four airports in the USA!
Dublin to Pittsburgh, USA
Carrier: Aer Lingus Commencing: 25th May 2026
Pittsburgh Pennsylvania is known for its rich industrial history, iconic bridges, vibrant sports culture, and for being hub for technology and innovation in the US. Last summer we held a Pittsburgh Steeler’s NFL game in Croke park which was a huge success.
Art and culture lovers can visit the Andy Warhol Museum, one of the largest museums in the world dedicated to a single artist, while history enthusiasts will enjoy the Heinz History Center. Outdoor spaces such as Point State Park and the riverfront trails provide scenic walks and cycling routes,
This new route will operate three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Dublin to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, USA
Carrier: Aer Lingus Commencing: 13th April 2026
Flying into Raleigh-Durham opens the door to North Carolina where you can wander the scenic Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University, explore the lively streets of Durham’s American Tobacco Campus, or dive into Raleigh’s world-class museums and craft beer scene.
Outdoor lovers can hike along the Eno River or escape to nearby Umstead State Park, while foodies will love the local barbecues and farm-to-table dining. With a mix of city energy, history, and easy access to beaches and mountains, North Carolina is a surprising destination that has something for every traveller.
Aer Lingus will operate this new route three times weekly on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays.
New Flight Routes from Belfast International Airport
Belfast to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Carrier: TUI Commencing: 20th June 2026
Fancy exploring the Caribbean? Fly direct from Belfast International to Punta Cana in June or July 2026. The Dominican Republic offers far more than stunning beaches, with lush rainforests, mountains, and historic colonial towns, making it one of the most diverse destinations in the Caribbean. No trip is complete without a visit to Saona Island, famous for its crystal clear waters and white sand beaches.
The Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana Hotel was voted No. 7 in the world in the TripAdvisor Best of the Best 2025 awards, while Bávaro Beach also ranked No. 7 on the list of the world’s best beaches. I’m sure you do not need anymore convincing to visit the Dominican Republic.
New Flight Routes from Cork Airport
Cork to Antalya, Turkey
Carrier: SunExpress Commencing: 4th April 2026
Turkey is becoming more popular than ever with amazing hotel resorts to suit all ages. Antalya is one of Turkey’s most popular coastal resorts, blessed with some of the best weather in the country. Sheltered by the Taurus Mountains, it’s the go to beach destination on the Turkish Riviera.
It’s not just about the beaches either, Antalya is also famous for its world class golf resorts and the incredible Land of Legends theme park, making it a destination that has something for everyone. Choose from the resorts of Belek, Side, Alanya or Lara Beach.
This new service will operate weekly from 4th of April and three times week from 16th May to 31st October 2026.
Read: The Ultimate Turkish Riviera Resort Guide – The Best Resorts To Choose For Holidays to Turkey
Read: 25 Top Hotels In Turkey – Best Value, Luxury and Family Friendly Hotels
Cork to Nice, France
Carrier: Aer Lingus Commencing: 2nd May 2026
The gateway to the French Riviera, Fly direct from Cork to Nice this May and explore all the coastal towns and even explore another country while you are there, Monaco. It is so easy to travel up and down the coast with super train and bus services.
There are so many things to do in Nice and the French Riviera, you could easily spend weeks or even months there. There are plenty of free things to do in Nice if you are travelling on a budget, which makes the city a great choice for any kind of trip.
This new route will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Read: The Best Things to Do in Nice and the French Riviera in 48 Hours – And Where to Stay
Cork to Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Carrier: Aer Lingus Commencing: 1st June 2026
A fantastic new addition, Santiago de Compostela is the gateway to the Camino walk, also known as the Way of St. James. This historic pilgrimage route in Spain attracts walkers from around the world, offering diverse paths, rich history, and opportunities for reflection.
The city itself was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, for its outstanding historical and cultural sights. It’s also an appealing summer destination, especially for those who prefer milder temperatures, with July and August offering a cooler, more comfortable climate than many other parts of Spain.
Read: 10 Coolcations in Europe – Summer Holidays to avoid the heat
This new route will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays.
Cork to Geneva, Switzerland
Carrier: Aer Lingus Commenced: 20th December 2025
Maybe hiking in Switzerland is on your travel radar for 2026? There are plenty of trails nearby, from easy lakeside walks to more challenging Alpine routes.
Geneva is home to one of Europe’s largest lakes, perfect for cruises, paddleboarding, or simply strolling along the promenade. Geneva is just a short drive (about 1–2 hours) from Alps ski resorts like Chamonix in France if you fancy hitting the slopes.
Aer Lingus will operate this service once a week on Saturdays until the end of March.
New Flight Routes from Shannon Airport
Shannon to Rome Ciampino, Italy
Carrier: Ryanair Commencing: 31st March 2026
A classic city break to Rome is always a great idea. Ancient wonders are around every corner – from the Colosseum and Pantheon to the Trevi Fountain and the Roman Forum, the city is a living museum. Wander the charming, winding streets, enjoy a slice of authentic pizza or a plate of fresh pasta, and sip an Aperol spritz while people-watching in a sunny piazza.
Don’t forget to explore hidden gems like Trastevere, sample gelato at a local gelateria, and soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere from sunrise to sunset.
Ryanair will operate this new route twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Read: Where to Stay in Rome: First Time Visitor Guide
Read: Top 10 Things to do in Rome, Travel Tips and Restaurant Recommendations
Shannon to Madrid, Spain
Carrier: Ryanair Commencing: 6th January 2026
Take an unforgettable trip to Spain’s vibrant capital, Madrid. The metro from the airport will get you to the city centre in just 20 minutes. Explore the grandeur of the Royal Palace, shop along the bustling Gran Vía, tour Real Madrid’s iconic football stadium, or enjoy a tapas trail through the city – Madrid has something for everyone. When the sun sets, why not experience an authentic flamenco show and fully immerse yourself in the local culture?
Ryanair will operate this new route twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Read: Where To Stay in Madrid, Top Things to Do – Madrid Travel Guide
Shannon to Frankfurt, Germany
Carrier: Discover Airlines Commencing: 4th April 2026
Discover Airlines opens up a world of long-haul destinations with Lufthansa via Frankfurt from Shannon, so you don’t have to drive all the way to Dublin to reach far-flung locations. Choose from destinations like India, Singapore, Thailand, South Africa, and many more across the globe.
Or perhaps you’d like to visit Frankfurt itself for the famous Christmas markets or a city break. The city is known for its striking skyline and rich history, blending business, culture, and riverside charm in a surprisingly appealing way. Just an hour away, the Rhine Valley offers scenic river cruises, castles, and vineyards – perfect for a day trip.
Discover Airlines will operate this new route once a week on Saturdays.
I hope this round up of new flight routes from Ireland helps you choose your next holiday destination. I will be adding to the list as soon as any new routes from Ireland are announced, so bookmark or pin this post for future reference.
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, place note descriptions are subject to change. Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links where I receive a commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.
