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Ireland's flag carrier connecting the world since 1936.
Founded
1936
Headquarters
Dublin, Ireland
Aer Lingus is Ireland's national airline and one of Europe's oldest carriers, founded in 1936. Operating from its primary base at Dublin Airport, the airline serves destinations across Europe, North America, and beyond, carrying tens of millions of passengers annually.
The airline is a subsidiary of International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways and Iberia, having been acquired in 2015. Despite this ownership, Aer Lingus retains its distinct Irish identity and brand. It operates a hybrid model, competing as both a full-service transatlantic carrier and a value-focused short-haul European operator.
Aer Lingus has grown its transatlantic network significantly, leveraging Ireland's pre-clearance facilities at Dublin and Shannon airports, which allow US-bound passengers to clear US customs before departure — a unique and popular convenience.
Hubs & network
Aer Lingus operates primarily from Dublin Airport (DUB), with secondary bases at Cork Airport (ORK) and Shannon Airport (SNN).
Fleet
Aer Lingus operates a mix of Airbus A320-family aircraft for short-haul routes and Airbus A330s for long-haul transatlantic services.
Notable facts
- ›Aer Lingus was founded on 22 May 1936, making it one of the world's oldest surviving airlines.
- ›It was acquired by International Airlines Group (IAG) in 2015 for approximately €1.4 billion.
- ›Ireland's pre-clearance facilities at Dublin and Shannon airports allow passengers to clear US customs before departure.
- ›Aer Lingus departed the oneworld alliance in 2007 when it adopted a low-cost model, and has not rejoined any global alliance.
- ›The shamrock is a central element of the airline's branding and its ICAO callsign 'Shamrock' reflects this Irish identity.
This profile is provided for general information only. Contact details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airline's official website before acting on them.
