TORONTO — “Ambitious” is how Aer Lingus would describe its Summer 2022 schedule, which comprises 16 transatlantic routes including Toronto.

In total, the airline will be back operating 90% of its 2019 capacity by mid-summer, including 71 routes and 62 destinations, a “strong” schedule that will build up capacity from an already promising Christmas schedule, currently on sale.

According to Aer Lingus’ most recent consumer survey conducted in September, 65% of adults in Ireland are planning to travel internationally in 2022, whether to reconnect with family and friends, conduct business in-person or simply to enjoy a relaxing holiday abroad.

Reid Moody, Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, said that the summer schedule reflects the airline’s goal to rebuild to pre-pandemic levels.

“This is an ambitious schedule for Summer 2022 and an important step for the airline and the country as we reconnect Ireland to the world,” said Moody. “We know from our customer research that Irish people are very keen to get back to flying and we certainly are looking forward to welcoming them onboard again.”

Moody added that month by month, the airline is seeing more people taking to the skies again.

“We’re confident that the demand is there for travel next year, and that is reflected in our announcement today,” he said.

North America Routes

Anticipating strong customer demand for travel to/from North America following 18 months of travel restrictions, direct flights will be available to favourite destinations such as Toronto, New York, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, Seattle and Philadelphia, with prices starting at €169 each way, including taxes and charges. Aer Lingus will re-introduce flights from Shannon in March to JFK and Boston with 14 flights per week to the United States.

Summer in Europe

Aer Lingus will ramp up short-haul capacity between now and Summer 2022, flying at least 50 short-haul routes next summer, 41 routes from Dublin (with more to be added in the coming weeks) and a further seven from Cork. It will operate Heathrow from Shannon and Belfast, and Gatwick from Knock. The schedule will also include destinations in Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Canaries and the Med, as well as plenty of city break destinations throughout Europe, with flights starting at €35.99 each way, including taxes and surcharges.

Tourism Ireland welcomes the news

On Aer Lingus’ extensive new schedule for summer 2022, Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, called it “excellent news” and a “significant milestone on the road to recovery” for Ireland’s tourism sector.

“As we restart tourism to Ireland from overseas after what has been a devastating time, this announcement of the restoration of many Aer Lingus routes is very much a vote of confidence in the future of our industry,” he said. “As an island, the importance of convenience, direct, nonstop flights cannot be overstated, so these flights will be absolutely critical to delivery recovery in inbound tourism.”

Gibbons added that the restoration of connectivity from Canada is particularly welcome.

“Our message – and that of the entire Irish tourism industry – is very simple: we cannot wait to roll out the green carpet and welcome back visitors from around the world. Together with our industry partners, including Aer Lingus, we will undertake our most extensive marketing campaign ever in 2022.”