Aer Lingus new direct route to Las Vegas strengthens ties between Ireland and the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World!

Aer Lingus and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) celebrate the upcoming launch of a new direct flight from Dublin to Las Vegas, which takes off on October 25th. This new seasonal service operates three times per week on an A330, the largest aircraft in the Aer Lingus fleet, and strengthens the connection between Ireland and one of the world’s most iconic entertainment and business destinations.

This direct route between Ireland and Las Vegas – unlocks endless possibilities for Irish holidaymakers, sports fans, and business travellers. Last year, Las Vegas welcomed 52,760 visitors from Ireland*, a number that is expected to grow in 2024 and beyond thanks to this new direct flight.

Affectionately known as ‘Neon City’ on account of its dazzling entertainment, iconic resorts, and world-renowned residencies featuring talents like Adele, Elton John, and U2, more than 40 million visitors flocked to the bright lights of Vegas last year. Offering 320 days of sunshine a year, the city boasts more than 151,000 hotel rooms and is popular with both international and domestic travellers. In October, the city experiences average highs of 28°C.

Las Vegas is home to the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), one of the largest in the world, with more than 4.6 million square feet of event space. It regularly hosts prestigious global conventions and trade shows, including CES (Consumer Electronics Show) and the Global Gaming Expo (G2E). In 2023, around 6 million people attended conventions or trade shows in the city.

Las Vegas provides an exciting backdrop for tourists looking to experience top-tier sporting events year-round. The ‘Desert Oasis’ is home to some 33 stadiums and arenas – including the state-of-the-art Allegiant Stadium and T-Mobile Arena. Many major boxing and UFC matches in recent years have taken place in Las Vegas, including fights from Ireland’s most renowned boxers such as Barry McGuigan and Katie Taylor. The city is also home to the National Football League’s Las Vegas Raiders, a team that has a growing Irish fanbase.

Figures from the LVCVA show that the average international visitor stays for more than five nights with an endless array of activities and attractions to fill any type of itinerary. Many arrive in celebration mode, with 22% of visitors marking an event such as a birthday or anniversary. During their time in Las Vegas, 6% of visitors take in a sporting event, while 25% enjoy one of the city’s dazzling shows.

Speaking about the launch of the new Aer Lingus route to Las Vegas, Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer, said: “Las Vegas is often called the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’, as the opportunities for business, leisure and sports visitors are endless. The launch of this direct Aer Lingus service between Dublin and Las Vegas is a major milestone in enhancing the business and tourism ties between Ireland and the U.S. Las Vegas is a global leader in both entertainment and conventions, making it an ideal destination for our customers looking to blend business and leisure. We are excited to support this new link between Ireland and Nevada, as well as seamless connections on to UK and European destinations.”

Business ties between Ireland and Las Vegas have flourished in recent years, particularly in sectors such as technology, gaming, and tourism. Irish businesses regularly participate in global conventions hosted in Las Vegas, using the city as a platform to showcase their innovations.

Steve Hill, CEO and President of Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), added:

“We are thrilled to partner with Aer Lingus on the first-ever direct flight from Ireland to Las Vegas. This new service helps ensure Irish travelers and visitors throughout Europe have convenient and easy access to experience firsthand all that Vegas has to offer.”

Beyond its reputation as the ‘Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World’, Las Vegas offers an exceptional experience from star-studded residencies to Michelin-starred dining, luxurious resorts, and stunning natural attractions such as the Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon.

The city’s 24-hour energy, diverse entertainment options, and business-friendly environment make it a top destination for both vacationers and ‘bleisure’ travellers – those looking to combine business with pleasure.