As ITTN reported yesterday in Irish Travel eNews, Emirates has today announced that it will commence a Dublin – Dubai service from January 2012, marking the airline’s first route to Ireland.
The daily service, from 9th January, will leave Dubai at 07.00 and arrive in Dublin at 11.30. The return flight will leave Dublin at 12.55 and arrive in Dubai at 00.25 the next day. An Airbus A330-200 will be used, offering First, Business and Economy class.
“Dublin will be our 29th route in Europe and Emirates’ customers in Ireland who currently travel through some of our UK gateways will be able to fly non-stop to our industry-leading hub in Dubai and conveniently connect onwards to our broadening route network,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group. “We see strong potential in Ireland through its industry, technology, tourism and the huge number of Irish nationals living overseas.”
Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has welcomed the decision: “I am delighted to welcome such a prestigious carrier to Ireland, and that Emirates has chosen to add Dublin to its network. This is great news for Irish passengers, for Dublin Airport and for the wider economy. It’s also a very welcome stimulus for our tourism industry.
“Emirates is one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world. The airline is renowned for its excellent service and high standards. Irish holidaymakers will benefit from this direct, daily and non-stop service to Dubai.
“But the chief economic benefit to Ireland will be the new link to the extensive Emirates route network from its hub in Dubai. It will provide greater ease of access to Ireland from the emerging tourism markets in the Middle East and Asia. It will also be significant in developing stronger trade links with these regions.
“I am especially pleased to see such a significant service operating out of Terminal 2. I hope it will prove an incentive for other airlines, operating from other destinations, to open up new services to Dublin.
“I would like to wish Emirates every success with this route.”
