Flybe launching new transatlantic routes via Dublin from Southend

Flybe has announced it will be launching flights services to new transatlantic routes from London Southend Airport via Dublin. The new services are aimed at offering seamless connectivity to passengers wanting to travel onwards to 11 destinations in North America. Media reports said that the new flights from London Southend to Dublin started operating from October 29, 2017. The thrice daily service will help passengers connecting on to transatlantic flights operated by Aer Lingus from Dublin, which enables the passengers to effortlessly complete the process of U.S. pre-clearance for onwards connection to the United States and Canada.

Aer Lingus is currently operating flights services to 12 cities in North America. These include Connecticut, Hartford, Toronto, Newark, Orlando, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Washington, Boston and New York. Aer Lingus has also announced it will be launching flights between Philadelphia and Dublin effective from March 2018. It may be noted that pre-clearance at Dublin Airport is manned and operated by U.S. Customs and Border officials. It is beneficial for all those traveling to the United States via Dublin Airport on Aer Lingus flights. While landing at any U.S. airports on Aer Lingus network the passengers would be treated similar to domestic passengers. The customs pre-clearance also helps passengers to avoid lengthy delays usually associated with U.S. security thus saving the passengers up to 2 hours on arrival in the United States. Ireland is presently the only country in Europe offering passport and customs pre-clearance to several U.S. destinations.

Glyn Jones, CEO of London Southend Airport, said, “Over 13 million passengers are estimated to travel to North American destinations through London airports every year, spending long duration on their flights. Now with flights being launched from London Southend via Dublin they have now got an alternative. The thrice daily service from London Southend is aimed at providing the business and leisure travelers with convenient and hassle free connections to U.S. destinations, while taking the advantage of customs pre-clearance in Dublin Airport.”