01-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
How Scots can take Europe's only direct flight to Indianapolis
It is the only direct flight to the city, famous for its Indy500 race and other famous sporting venues such as Victory Field, Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the NCAA Hall of Champions.
The flight means Scots can travel to Indianapolis much easier. Previously, anyone flying to the US city would need to fly to another part of America and then onwards to Indianapolis.
Now, they can hop on a short journey to Dublin from either Glasgow or Edinburgh and pass US customs before they get on the plane to America.
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The Indy500 takes place on May 25 with more than 300,000 racing fans expected to take over the city.
Aer Lingus Chief Executive Officer, Lynne Embleton said: 'At Aer Lingus, our mission is to strengthen connectivity between North America and Europe. This new direct flight between Indianapolis and Dublin is a significant milestone for our airline, bringing the number of transatlantic routes we fly to a total of 24.
Indianapolis is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States and a vibrant hub for business, sports, and culture. With this new service, Aer Lingus will offer the only direct flight connecting Indianapolis to Europe, fostering stronger business, cultural, and sporting ties across the Atlantic.'
Mario Rodriguez, Executive Director, Indianapolis Airport Authority, said: 'This inaugural flight is more than a new route — it's a bridge between communities, cultures, and commerce. It represents the kind of global connection that fuels economic growth, enriches cultural exchange, and elevates Indy's presence on the world stage.
'We're proud to partner with Aer Lingus to make this transatlantic gateway a reality for Central Indiana.'
David Adams, Secretary of Commerce, State of Indiana said: "This new connection between our capital city and Ireland opens up new pathways for Indiana businesses and residents alike while creating countless opportunities for our economy, tourism industry and communities.
'There is no better time than May – a month that welcomes race enthusiasts from across the world for one of the most iconic sporting events – to celebrate this new flight and showcase the incredible culture and vibrant future of our state.'
Known as the 'Crossroads of America', Indiana also boasts a wide range of state parks that nature lovers can enjoy exploring, while the largest Children's Museum in the world can also be found there.
Leonard Hoops, President & CEO, Visit Indy said: 'Indy's new non-stop flights on Aer Lingus to and from Dublin is a major win for our city and state. This transatlantic route will make it easier than ever for travelers from Ireland and throughout Europe to visit our capital city - and for our region's residents to explore new destinations.
'From the grandeur of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a must-visit for race fans around the globe, to exploring White River State Park, America's largest urban state park, visitors have so much to discover in Indy.'
