July 15th 2014
From 1st September 2014, the Emirates service to Dubai will increase from one to two flights per day. Over 440,000 passengers have travelled on the Dublin – Dubai service since 2012.
From 15th July 2014, Etihad Airways have also increased its Dublin – Abu Dhabi service from 10 flights per week to twice daily. This 40% frequency boost will provide 8,988 seats each week between the Irish and UAE capitals. With a journey time of less than an hour from Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai Marina, this is another major boost for Irish travellers.
The schedule for the double daily flights will ensure connectivity both ways with 800 weekly connections to 45 Etihad destinations in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, including Bangkok, Beijing, Brisbane, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Melbourne, Perth, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo.
James Hogan, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “From the moment we started flights to Dublin in July 2007 it has been one our most successful routes and we are delighted that from this July, seven years later, Etihad Airways will offer guests a double daily service to and from Abu Dhabi.The 40% increase in flight frequency will benefit business and leisure travel not only between Ireland and the UAE but also right across the Etihad Airways network, especially countries that have a connection with Ireland such as Australia, Thailand and Malaysia.”
Kevin Toland, Dublin Airport Authority Chief Executive, welcomed the decision: “The partnership between Dublin Airport and Etihad Airways has been hugely successful since the airline launched the Dublin – Abu Dhabi route in 2007. Dublin has long been one of Etihad Airways’ busiest routes and the airline has steadily expanded capacity on the service over the past six years.
“We are delighted that Etihad Airways has announced a 40% increase in frequency for the service, which will operate double daily from 15th July, as it will offer additional choice and convenience to business and leisure travellers.”