Aer Lingus to launch Twin Cities to Dublin service in July

Irish airline Aer Lingus said Wednesday it will launch direct service between the Twin Cities and Dublin starting in July.

The Dublin fares will start at 249 euros — about $279 at the current exchange rate — each way, including taxes and charges when booked as a round trip, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport officials said.

Research found significant demand within the Twin Cities business community for travel between the two countries, and that data encouraged Aer Lingus to come to Minnesota, MSP said.

In 2015, Twin Cities-based Medtronic officially became an Irish enterprise after buying Ireland-based medical device manufacturer Covidien.

Dublin will be the sixth European city with direct service from Minnesota; it is the first time Aer Lingus will serve Minnesota.

The Dublin flights are the second new international flight announced for the Twin Cities this year. Delta is scheduled to start service to Seoul, South Korea, in April.