Inaugural flight between Leeds and Dublin

Passengers travelling between LBA and the Irish capital now have the pick of up to two flights daily. The new route will increase onward connectivity from LBA to North America, allowing passengers pre-clearance of US Immigration at Dublin Airport. Passengers arriving into North America from Dublin - New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Toronto - will be treated like domestic passengers, skipping any lengthy immigration queues stateside.

The new connection from Leeds to Dublin, was celebrated by Aer Lingus Regional, LBA staff and passengers yesterday, with a celebratory cake and balloons.

Nicola McMullen, Aviation Director at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “As passenger levels return to normal, the connection between LBA and Dublin remains an important one for our region, with many passengers travelling for both business and leisure. The route will provide a valuable connection to the US and Canada with pre-clearance, meaning passengers can travel through immigration smoothly."

Ciarán Smith, Head of Commercial at Emerald Airlines said: “We are delighted to be commencing our services between Leeds Bradford and Dublin.

"We recognise the vital importance of regional air connectivity and the key role that this air link to Dublin provides for business, tourism and leisure travel.

"In addition, we’re excited to add additional capacity to our existing service from Leeds to Belfast City from Mid-May, and I am sure this additional capacity will prove popular for business customers. In particular, the new morning and afternoon flight facilitates day return options."

A spokesman said: "Aer Lingus Regional flights will be operated by the ATR72-600, the latest generation of turboprop aircraft combining unmatched environmental and economic performance. These ultra-low fuel burn aircraft emit up to 40 per cent less CO₂ on these short, regional flights."