Indiana Strengthens Global Ties with Ireland Through New Trade Commission and Direct Flight to Dublin

Indiana is deepening its relationship with Ireland in a meaningful way—through the creation of a new trade commission and a direct flight connecting Indianapolis to Dublin.

This week, the Indiana Senate unanimously passed House Bill 1489, a bipartisan effort to establish the Indiana-Ireland Trade Commission. The group will focus on building stronger business and cultural connections between the Hoosier State and the Emerald Isle.

“This is about creating opportunities,” said State Senator Brian Buchanan, who sponsored the bill in the Senate. “With direct flights starting this spring, we’re opening doors for business, tourism, and stronger partnerships.”

That direct connection comes via Aer Lingus, which will launch nonstop flights from Indianapolis to Dublin on May 3, 2025. The route will operate four times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays—using a state-of-the-art Airbus A321XLR, with both economy and business class service.

The announcement was made in October 2024 by Governor Eric Holcomb, joined virtually by Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, alongside officials from the Indianapolis Airport Authority. The new flight is expected to have a significant economic impact—projected at more than $50 million annually.

In a press release at the time, Secretary Rosenberg said:
“Indiana’s economy has been on an unprecedented trajectory of growth. In 2023, foreign direct investment made up 70 percent of all committed capital investment in the state. Our partners in Ireland and Europe have been a significant part of the growth we’ve experienced. This new transatlantic route will only add to that growth and open up Indiana to vast new opportunities.”

Indianapolis Airport Authority Executive Director Mario Rodriguez added in the same release:
“Today is further proof of our commitment to bring Indiana to the world, by making air travel convenient whether it’s doing business, visiting loved ones, or experiencing new places domestically or internationally. And our team has done that once again by diligently pursuing crucial industry conversations and transforming those into a community-wide effort that includes state, city, civic and corporate partners.”

The new Aer Lingus service will offer Hoosiers direct access not only to Ireland, but also to over 20 destinations beyond Dublin, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, and Amsterdam. Dublin Airport is one of just two in Europe that provides U.S. customs preclearance, allowing travelers to complete immigration and customs before returning home—a major convenience for international flyers.

With strong existing business ties—52 Ireland-based companies already operate in Indiana—and a recent $1.8 billion investment by Eli Lilly in its Irish facilities, state leaders say this is the right time to formalize and expand the relationship.

The Indiana-Ireland Trade Commission will meet regularly and provide an annual report on its work. Its mission is to encourage new trade and investment opportunities while strengthening Indiana’s international presence.

“This is just the beginning,” said Buchanan. “Hoosiers and our Irish friends have a lot to gain from working even more closely together.”