Vueling launches Shannon-Paris route

Spanish budget airline Vueling plans to fly to Paris from Shannon Airport twice weekly from September.

Airport owner Shannon Group confirmed on Tuesday that Vueling would serve Paris Orly every Monday and Friday from September 12th.

Vueling is part of International Airlines’ Group (IAG) along with Irish carrier Aer Lingus, and British Airways.

Orly is France’s second-biggest airport and is 13km from the centre of Paris. As well as serving the city, it offers onward connections to major European and Middle Eastern destinations.

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Vueling’s move will bring to 27 the number of services available from Shannon Airport, whose routes now cover Britain, Europe and the US.

Carolyn Prowse, Vueling’s chief commercial officer, said the Spanish airline’s operations were at a similar level to 2019, before Covid-19 caused more than a year’s turbulence for air travel.

She said Vueling had scheduled a total of 114 destinations in 31 countries this year.

“The new direct route between Shannon and Paris Orly airports reinforces Vueling’s interest in providing a more flexible and varied offer to travellers based in Ireland,” Ms Prowse added.

Over the past two years, Shannon spent €2.5 million on new security screening equipment that no longer requires passengers to remove liquids and gels from their baggage.

Mary Considine, Shannon Group chief executive, welcomed Vueling’s announcement. “We are delighted to welcome our new carrier Vueling, part of IAG, to Shannon Airport. This service is another major boost for inbound and outbound business and tourism interests in the region.”