Aer Lingus announces new summer routes

Aer Lingus today announced new summer routes including the first direct scheduled flights between Dublin and Izmir in Turkey, Perpignan in France and to the German city of Stuttgart.

"This announcement follows the recent launch of a new summer route from Cork to Palma, with additional frequencies on flights between Cork and Amsterdam, Faro, Tenerife and Lanzarote for summer 2011," the airline said.

Belfast will also benefit from a new twice weekly service to Gran Canaria.

Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Aer Arann, will introduce new flights between Dublin and Bristol and Dublin and Aberdeen from March 27 through to October 29.

“We welcome the Irish Government’s decision to reduce the Irish Air Travel Tax from March next year," spokesman Declan Kearney said.

" We look forward to welcoming customers on board our new services in 2011.”

Officials at Dublin Airport welcomed the development.

“We welcome Aer Lingus’ announcement to add new routes to Turkey, France, and Germany from next spring,” said airport spokesperson Siobhan Moore.

“These services are likely to be popular with both Irish people travelling abroad and incoming visitors to Ireland.”