US airline launches new direct services from Dublin to New York and Boston

American airline JetBlue has launched their first-ever direct services between Ireland and the States.

The carrier will run daily services between Dublin and John F Kennedy Airport in New York, and between Dublin and Logan International Airport in Boston.

"JetBlue's entrance into Dublin is set to introduce a new era of low fares and great service between Ireland and the Northeast," said the airline’s recently appointed Irish-American CEO, Joanna Geraghty.

JetBlue will fly the Irish routes from now and 30 September, using Airbus A321neo aircraft.

The development is likely to increase competition on transatlantic routes out of Ireland, and comes at a time when Dublin Airport operator daa is looking to increase passenger caps at the airport from the current 32m to 40m as it reaches capacity.

"The arrival of JetBlue to Dublin Airport is very good news for both passengers and Ireland and these new direct routes between Dublin and New York and Boston are going to prove really popular," said Gary McLean, Managing Director, Dublin Airport.

"Demand for transatlantic travel has never been higher, with stronger than ever business links continuing to grow between Ireland and the US."

The addition of the route will be seen as an important development for the tourism industry here, as visitors from the US make up 20% of total overseas visitors to Ireland each year.

"As an island destination, we know there’s a proven correlation between direct, convenient access and growth in inbound tourism, so these new flights will certainly help boost visitor numbers and the overall economic value of tourism from the United States in 2024 and beyond," said Alice Mansergh, chief executive designae of Tourism Ireland.

"Tourism Ireland is committed to working with JetBlue, Dublin Airport and our other key partners, to drive demand for these transatlantic flights, and all other services to Ireland, to help maintain our vital network of routes and services."