Emirates launches flights to Dublin

After the launch of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Buenos Aires in Argentina on 3 ^rd January 2012, the Irish capital took its position as Emirates’ 118th destination, opening up a new efficient channel via Dubai to key markets such as Australia, India, Thailand, China and the Philippines.  

Emirates will serve Dublin daily with an Airbus A330-200 aircraft, providing First Class, Business Class and Economy Class travel.  EK 161 leaves Dubai at 0700hrs daily and arrives at Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2 at 1130hrs. EK 162 departs Dublin at 1255hrs and lands in Dubai at 0025hrs the next day.  

On board today’s inaugural flight from Dubai were Tim Clark, President, Emirates airline; Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe & Russian Federation; Ram Menen, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President-Cargo; Ciaran Madden, Ireland’s Ambassador to the UAE; Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport; Colm McLoughlin, Vice Chairman, Dubai Duty Free and Niall Gibbons, CEO Tourism Ireland.  

“Today’s launch is a tremendous development for both Irish business and Irish tourism, said Tim Clark, President, Emirates. “We are now connecting Ireland not only to Dubai, but also to over 100 destinations throughout the world. Solid early bookings have demonstrated that the demand is there, opening up new markets for passengers and cargo to and from the Republic.”  

“The inauguration of this new daily service between Dubai and Dublin is a huge boost for Irish tourism, business and aviation. With a daily direct service between Dubai and Ireland, trade, tourism and relations between the two countries and beyond will continue to grow,” said Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport. “It also considerably improves connectivity with India, Australia and New Zealand, which should result in a further increase in tourism numbers from these countries.”