Irish carrier Aer Lingus commenced new summer season routes from Dublin to Catania, Italy and Heraklion, Greece operating thrice and twice using 174 seat Airbus A320-200 aircraft from 1 May 2024 to 29 September, as part of its expanded Summer 2024 programme.
EI-DEN Airbus A320-214 msn 02432 operated first Catania service (EIN462/3).
EI-DVG Airbus A320-214 msn 0338 operated first Heraklion service (EIN448/9).
Aer Lingus previously operated Dublin to Heraklion in 1990s on Saturday night charters for tour operators, due to operational reasons Boeing 737-400s would require a fuel stop in Italy on return sector to Dublin due high temperature conditions on Crete.
Catania Known as the ‘Black City’ for the soot that floats down from its peak, this island capital is nestled at the base of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest (and most active!) volcano. The city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, bejewelled with Baroque architecture, picture-perfect palazzos and ancient Roman ruins.
Heraklion, also known as Iraklio, is a port city and the capital of the Greek island of Crete. It’s known for the Palace of Knossos, just outside the city. The huge archaeological site dates back thousands of years to the Minoan civilization, and includes frescoes and baths. The city’s landmark is the 16th c. Koules fortress in the westernmost side of the old Venetian port, which along with the fortification walls (dating back to the same period) are among the most significant and imposing sights.
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