On 28 September, Aer Lingus and Bradley International Airport (BDL) celebrated a major milestone, marking 10 years since the launch of the direct service between Dublin and Bradley International Airport (BDL) near Hartford, Connecticut, connecting Ireland with the heart of New England. Aer Lingus commenced a daily service between Dublin and Bradley International in September2016 initially using two class wet-leased ASL Aviation Ireland Boeing 757-200(ER).
The route was suspended during the global pandemic between 2020 and 2023, resuming 26 March operating till October 2023, using brand new two class 184 seat Airbus A321LR aircraft. Aer Lingus announced extension of Dublin to Bradley International route to almost year-round from 2023 onwards operating daily due to popular demand, with short suspension in winter valley period.
The service timed to enable onward connectivity to 28 key UK and European airports over Dublin hub, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, London Heathrow, Madrid, Paris CDG, Prague, Rome and Vienna.
Aer Lingus debuted its brand-new Airbus A321XLR on the Dublin-Bradley International (BDL) route on 1st March 2025, marking the first time the airline has deployed its latest fuel-efficient, long-range aircraft on this service. The inaugural flight, EIN131/0, operated by EI-XLR (msn 11590).
Image Credit: Bradley International Airport (BDL)
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 5 October 2026 All Rights Reserved
