Aer Lingus flights to Vilnius underway

Aer Lingus has launched its first winter route from Gatwick Airport, with flights to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, getting underway today (September 15th).

The new route, which provides access to the destination that was voted the European Capital of Culture for 2009, was officially declared open by Lithuanian ambassador Dr Oskaras Jusys.

Aer Lingus' connection to Vilnius is one of six new routes that the airline will be launching from Gatwick Airport over the winter period.

Enda Corneille, the carrier's corporate affairs director, said that the next few months will represent "an exciting time for Aer Lingus".

He added: "For the 42 million Brits who opted for a staycation this summer, these flights will bring back the excitement factor of flying abroad and waving goodbye to the daily grind.

"With a bleak winter predicted, finding something to look forward to during the dark winter moments is vital."

From October 25th, Aer Lingus' operations from London Gatwick will provide passengers with flights to 13 European destinations, including Malaga, Faro, Munich, Vienna and Bucharest.

• Flybe promotes flights to France
• Austrian Airlines targets 1m extra passengers this year
• Skiers urged to consider Austria for a late-season trip
• British Airways staff offer to work during strike
• Paris festival to celebrate jazz
• BAA signs contract for construction of Heathrow Terminal 2
• Travellers promised value for money in Malaysia
• Bmi to launch London Heathrow to Berlin flights this month
• Whale sharks arrive in Western Australia
• British Airways reveals strike contingency plans