As Ireland’s national carrier, Aer Lingus has won the best airline to Europe category for the 14th year in row at the Irish Travel Industry Awards, organised by the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA), the airline has once again been shortlisted for the 2026 honour, in a category sponsored by Wendy Wu Tours. Aer Lingus are un beaten in this category.
Competing against KLM, Ryanair, TAP Air Portugal, and Turkish Airlines, Aer Lingus has claimed this title in recent years, including 2025, underscoring its enduring appeal among Irish travellers and trade partners.
Aer Lingus’ activities in the Irish market focus on an extensive European network from its primary hubs at Dublin and Cork airports, with additional services from Shannon. The airline operates dozens of routes to key cities and leisure destinations across the continent, including frequent flights to London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, and Prague. Popular sun destinations such as Faro, Malaga, Alicante, Palma de Mallorca, and Tenerife draw strong seasonal demand, while cultural hubs like Milan, Venice, and Geneva attract year-round interest. Regional connectivity thrives through Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Emerald Airlines, serving routes to places like Donegal, Kerry, and new additions such as the planned Inverness service starting May 2026.
The carrier’s European offerings cater to diverse needs: business travellers appreciate punctual schedules and comfortable seating, while leisure passengers benefit from competitive fares, generous baggage allowances, and bundled packages. Aer Lingus promotes family-friendly travel with child fares, priority boarding, and in-flight amenities, making it a preferred choice for holidays to Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece. Its transatlantic strategy enhances European connectivity, as passengers from North America via Dublin can seamlessly continue to continental Europe, boosting inbound tourism and outbound flows.
Trade support is integral to Aer Lingus’ Irish operations. The airline engages closely with agents through roadshows, training sessions, and dedicated support teams, earning shortlistings in the Supplier Support Team, Airline category for 2026. Events like the 2025 Limerick roadshow highlight partnerships and promote routes, while marketing collaborations amplify visibility for package holidays. Financial protection under ITAA licensing and codeshare agreements with partners expand options for Irish bookers.
Sustainability features prominently in Aer Lingus’ strategy. The airline invests in fuel-efficient aircraft, explores sustainable aviation fuels, and promotes responsible practices, earning recognition in related award categories. This aligns with Ireland’s climate goals and appeals to eco-conscious travellers opting for shorter, lower-emission flights within Europe.
Recent expansions reflect Aer Lingus’ forward momentum. While long-haul growth dominates headlines, including new routes to Pittsburgh and enhanced transatlantic capacity for summer 2026, European services continue to evolve with increased frequencies and new destinations like Prague. The airline’s 4-star Skytrax rating, the first and only for an Irish carrier, affirms consistent quality in service, comfort, and guest experience.
Challenges in the short-haul sector include intense competition from low-cost carriers and operational pressures from weather or air traffic control. Aer Lingus counters these with its full-service model, offering assigned seating, meals on longer flights, and AerClub loyalty benefits that reward frequent flyers with upgrades and priority services.
As Ireland’s outbound travel to Europe surges, driven by demand for city breaks, sun holidays, and family getaways, Aer Lingus plays a pivotal role in connecting passengers affordably and comfortably. Its award-winning status in the Ireland to Europe category reflects not just market leadership but a deep commitment to Irish travellers’ needs.
Celebrating their 90th anniversary in 2026, Aer Lingus embodies national pride in aviation, delivering reliable links that support tourism, business, and cultural exchange. With a strong shortlist position for 2026, the airline looks set to maintain its dominance in Ireland’s European travel landscape.
2026 awards
Previous winners
