Aer Lingus, Ryanair Announce New 2026 Routes to US, Europe; Dublin Hotel Confirmed.

January 2, 2026 at 04:15 PM•3 min read

Aer Lingus and Ryanair are expanding the Ireland travel market with new direct flights from Dublin to Pittsburgh, Raleigh-Durham, and Tirana, alongside new luxury hotel openings.

Key Points

1Aer Lingus will launch two new transatlantic routes from Dublin (DUB): Pittsburgh (PIT) starting May 25, 2026, and Raleigh-Durham (RDU) starting April 13, 2026, utilizing the Airbus A321XLR.
2Ryanair is expanding its European network with a new twice-weekly Dublin-Tirana (TIA) route starting March 30, 2026, supported by a new three-aircraft base in Albania.
3The Irish hospitality sector will see the opening of the 412-room Sofitel Dublin Airport Hotel, a luxury property connected to Terminal 2, and two new five-star regional hotels in Galway and West Cork in 2026.

The Irish travel sector is preparing for a significant expansion in 2026.

Major airlines Aer Lingus and Ryanair are launching new routes. These additions will connect Dublin Airport (DUB) to key destinations. The new flights span both North America and Europe.

Transatlantic Expansion: Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus new routes 2026 focus on the United States market. The airline is launching two new direct services from Dublin.

Direct flights to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PIT), begin on May 25, 2026. This route will operate four times per week. The service is a key part of the airline’s four-year partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers, which started in early 2025. This new connection will use the long-range Airbus A321XLR aircraft.

Additionally, Dublin transatlantic flights will start to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (RDU). This new route begins earlier, on April 13, 2026. Aer Lingus plans to operate this service up to five times weekly. The new routes support the airline's Dublin Hub strategy. This strategy provides seamless connections between North America and Europe.

European Network Growth

Budget carrier Ryanair is also expanding its European network. The airline will launch a new route to Tirana, Albania (TIA). Flights from Dublin are scheduled to begin on March 30, 2026. The service will operate twice weekly.

This new route is part of a larger plan for the carrier. Ryanair is opening a new three-aircraft Ryanair Tirana base in April 2026. The base represents a $300 million investment. It will support 33 routes for the summer 2026 season. This expansion makes Albania a more affordable destination. According to Travel Extra Editor Eoghan Corry, Tirana offers prices roughly 30% cheaper than other holiday spots.

Irish Hospitality Market Development

The aviation growth is matched by new hotel developments. These projects aim to boost the domestic Ireland travel market.

A new high-end, 412-room Dublin Airport hotel is confirmed. The Sofitel Dublin Airport Hotel is set to open in late 2026. It will be a luxury, full-service hotel. The property will connect directly to Terminal 2. This provides premium convenience for international travelers.

Two new five-star hotels are also opening in the west of Ireland. The Hawthorn in Galway is opening in Spring 2026. The Grace in West Cork, named after Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley, is also expected to open in March, according to the source. These new luxury options cater to the growing demand for high-end staycations.

This overall expansion signals strong confidence in the Irish tourism and aviation sectors. Passengers are advised to book new destinations early. This is the best way to secure better prices, according to industry experts. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.