A NEW connecting route to the city dubbed the “capital of country” from Leeds Bradford Airport has been launched.

The Aer Lingus route to Nashville, Tennessee, will go via Dublin and the first flights will take off in April 2025.

The route will also be available from other UK airports including Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Heathrow, Manchester, and Southampton.

Aer Lingus said people flying from the UK “will connect seamlessly to Aer Lingus’ new transatlantic route, which operates directly between Dublin and Nashville four times per week on Aer Lingus’ new state-of-the-art Airbus A321XLR aircraft”.

Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus’ chief customer officer, said: "We are thrilled to add Nashville to our expanding North American network, offering customers access to one of the most exciting and culturally rich cities in the United States.

“Nashville’s iconic status as the capital of country music makes it a dream destination for music lovers. Its fast-growing fashion, finance, healthcare and automotive industries also offer plenty of opportunities for business travellers."

Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) said: "These flights are perfect for those seeking adventure, culture, and a truly unforgettable journey."

Customers flying with Aer Lingus to Nashville or any other North American destination via connection through Dublin use its US Pre-Clearance facility.

The service allows customers to pre-clear all US immigration and customs formalities, meaning they are effectively on US soil once they’re cleared.