Aer Lingus (EI/EIN) is set to launch a daily service between Knock Ireland West Airport (NOC/EIKN) to London Heathrow (LGR/EGLL) this spring.
The new service which begins on the 26th of March will boost links for tourism and industry in the west of Ireland enhancing the local economy and will replace the Knock to Gatwick (LGW/EGKK) service which ends on the 25th of March.
Aer Lingus expects a significant increase in point-to-point travel by moving the daily service to Heathrow.
Reid Moody, Aer Lingus Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, said: “Our new route from Heathrow to Knock, accompanied with further network connectivity for our customers, is exciting for Aer Lingus and for the West of Ireland. With a direct service to one of Europe’s busiest airports, customers from the West will now be able to easily connect from Heathrow to destinations right across the globe.
“The service will also drive inbound tourism at a time when interest in visiting the West of Ireland is very high, with the Oscar-nominated Banshees of Inisherin showcasing the beauty of the West of Ireland to millions of people globally.”
Joe Gilmore, Ireland West Airport Managing Director, added: “The airport is absolutely delighted to welcome today’s announcement of a new daily service to London Heathrow with Aer Lingus. This is a major development for the West and Northwest regions as it opens key onward connectivity, through one of Europe’s biggest hubs, to over 80 destinations worldwide.
“The hub status of Heathrow for businesses to connect with the global marketplace is a potential game changer for this region, and from a tourism perspective the service will deliver a significant increase in tourism visits from all corners of the globe.
“I have no doubt the service will get huge support from the business community and leisure travellers both here and abroad and we thank Aer Lingus for this strong vote of confidence in the airport and the West of Ireland region.”