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www.nitravelnews.com Aer Lingus Launches New Direct Flights to Barbados from Dublin!


THE service connecting Dublin and Bridgetown will be operated using Aer Lingus’ most modern Airbus A321XLR aircraft and will run three times weekly. Aer Lingus has announced it will operate a temporary scheduled service between Dublin and Barbados for spring 2026. The seasonal route will run from 31 March 2026 to 31 May 2026, offering Irish customers a direct


connection to the


March 2026


Record Year for France as Visitor Numbers Hit 102 million and Tourism


Income Surges TOURISM Minister Serge Papin says booming sector shows the country continues to attract the world while focusing on sustainable growth. France has reinforced its status as the


Caribbean.


The service connecting Dublin and Bridgetown will be operated using Aer Lingus’ most modern Airbus A321XLR aircraft and will run three times weekly, departing Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Beyond the tropical beaches, Bridgetown,


the island’s capital, and to the city is


steeped in rich heritage dating back centuries.


Garrison is UNESCO World Heritage site


The Bridgetown Historic visitors


can


immerse themselves in the colourful local lifestyle as they walk down Swan Street’s lively shops and market stalls. The aircraft is configured with 184 seats in a two-class layout featuring 16 full-flat Business Class and 168 Economy Class seats and is the widest single-aisle aircraft cabin on the market. The service will also help to accommodate passengers due to fly with the airline from Manchester


will pull transatlantic flights form the


airport this


after announcing it in March of


year.


world’s most visited destination after welcoming 102 million international tourists in 2025. The surge in arrivals was matched by strong financial performance, while tourism revenues climbing by 9%. Tourism Minister Serge Papin, described the results as a major success for the national economy, highlighting the sector’s continued resilience and global appeal. According to data from the Banque de France,


international tourism receipts


reached a record €77.5 billion in 2025, producing a positive tourism balance of €20.1 billion. The Minister also recognised that the double-digit growth demonstrates France’s continued ability to attract and inspire visitors from around the world.


Local Beauty Brand Takes Off with Belfast City Airport Partnership creative, high-visibility advertising in a high dwell environment. Sonia Armstrong, Media Sales Manager at Belfast City Airport,


Collection to new said


BELFAST City Airport’s partnership with By Caitlyn Collection will feature a branded beauty vending machine in the airports Departures Lounge. The installation highlights the airport’s flexible advertising offering and shows how brands can connect with travellers through


Travel Associations Give Advice Following Travel Disruption to and From Mexico


A wave of violence broke out in the state of Jalisco, Mexico after


the country’s most wanted


drug baron was killed in an operation seeking his arrest. The Irish Travel Agents Association


(ITAA) is advising anyone planning to travel to the state of Jalisco, or surrounding areas on Mexico’s Pacific west coast in the coming days, to remain in close contact with their travel agent and to follow the guidance of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The


Irish Department of Foreign


Affairs are advising citizens against all travel to the state of Jalisco at this time, including major urban areas such as Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Tom Randles,


President of the


Irish Travel Agents Association said, “Those already holidaying in the area


should exercise extreme caution and follow the advice of local authorities, including remaining indoors where advised. Anyone in an affected area should keep in contact with their local tour operator staff on the ground. Alternatively, contact your tour operator or the travel agent with whom you booked your holiday for assistance. Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and switched to roaming to receive alerts from local authorities. Also


monitor local news from


Travel Partnership, as released a statement, “The


Julia Lo Bue-Said OBE, CEO of Advantage recent update


the FCDO


advising against all but essential travel to Jalisco State, Mexico, which includes some areas popular with travellers including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara is something we are monitoring very closely. Mexico remains an incredibly popular and vital destination for both leisure and business travel. We would advise all travellers in the area to stay informed, remain vigilant, and most importantly listen to the advice being given by the FCDO. Flights to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara have been disrupted, with several airlines cancelling or diverting services at short notice.” If you are in Mexico or concerned about


any upcoming travel to Mexico and you did book through a travel agent, get in touch with them for the latest information and advice. You can also check with your airline directly before travelling to the airport, and monitor local and international media for updates.”


in an impactful and accessible


the partnership demonstrates how airport advertising can help brands connect with passengers way.


She added that the airport is proud to support local businesses by providing a platform to reach new audiences. The collaboration places a spotlight both


on homegrown talent and the growing appeal of airport advertising


UK Airports Hit Record 302 Million Passengers as 2025 Marks Busiest Year


bulletins.”


for Aviation UK Civil Aviation Authority’s data has shown


that 302 million passengers


have travelled through UK airports, proving a major milestone as records exceed pre-pandemic levels. A new milestone was reached in 2025 for UK aviation, with the highest number of passengers travelling through UK airports ever recorded. The CAA has confirmed that the industry


has now exceeded pre-pandemic levels with an increase of 2% in passenger numbers in comparison to their 295 million in 2024. The new data highlights the long- term growth trend for the industry, with passenger numbers having


tripled since


1989. Demand will continue to stay strong according to the aviation regulator’s recent consumer survey showing that one third of travellers plan to fly more this year. Flight delays have also continued drop


to in 2025 with Group data showing


that 73% of flights departed on schedule, Selina


Director for Consumers and Markets at the UK Civil


a rise from previous years. Chadha,


Belfast City


as a powerful marketing channel. Caitlyn Lendrum, Founder of By Caitlyn Collection, said, “Advertising at Belfast City Airport has given us the opportunity to put our brand directly in front of people who are already in a positive, excited mindset as they travel. It’s been a really effective way to introduce By Caitlyn


customers


while still staying true to our local roots.” “The vending machine creates a fun, interactive experience for passengers, and the team at


Airport


has made the process straightforward and collaborative from start to finish.”


Aviation Authority said: “It has never been more popular to fly, and 2025 was officially a record-breaking year. While the sector grows from strength to strength, we continue working with aviation partners to drive even higher safety standards and protect passengers when they fly.” Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK said: “This data confirms aviation’s role as a growth engine for the UK economy, meeting the needs and aspirations of the British public whose desire to travel has never been greater. UK airlines are working hard to meet this demand, whilst providing ever greater choice and service, competitive fares and reducing our environmental impact”.


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