Aer Lingus Regional is adding new routes for the summer, another indication of travel beginning to open up. In addition to flights from Dublin to Exeter starting on 30 August, now there are two new routes to Wales on the way.

The Republic of Ireland and the UK have a Common Travel Area (CTA) in place, which means there is freedom of movement between the countries. Essentially Ireland is treated as part of the UK for visa and work purposes.

New Routes To Cardiff

From 28 June 2021, people will be able to fly from Belfast City to Cardiff. Flights will be on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, departing Belfast at 10:15am, arriving Cardiff at 11:35. Return flights leave at 12:05, landing back in Belfast at 13:25.


Later on in the year, flights to the Welsh capital will also commence. Starting on 30 August 2021 will be flights from Dublin three times a week on Monday, Friday and Sunday.


These depart from Ireland at 13:55, arriving at 15:10, with the returns from Wales leaving at 15:40, getting back at 16:55. All flights will be operated by the ATR 72 turboprop, which is the backbone of the Aer Lingus Regional fleet.

Overall Thoughts

It is great to see some new routes being opened and the destinations are perhaps not too surprising. Travel between the island of Ireland the UK will probably bounce back first due to the CTA.

Schedule wise, the flights are very good, with no early mornings or late nights, which should suit most people very well. I’m not really a fan of the midnight departure and 3am arrival at my destination which Ryanair tends to do, so these flights are good for me.

What do you think of these new Aer Lingus Regional flights? Will you be taking a break away in Wales or the wider UK this year? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.

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Featured image by Trevor Hannant via Wikimedia Commons.