Etihad Airways is going to introduce an additional daily year-round service between Abu Dhabi and Dublin which increases frequency on the route to 14 flights a week, effective 1 April 2017. The second daily operation, from the beginning of the Summer 2017 season, reflects Etihad Airways’ long-term commitment to the route. The route will be served with a two-class Airbus A330-200 offering 22 Business and 240 Economy Class seats.
Kevin Knight, Etihad Aviation Group Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, said: “This is a commitment to the Irish market and demonstrates our confidence to dedicate capacity throughout the year on a route that has enjoyed tremendous support from travel partners. It also reflects our strategy to offer more flexibility, greater convenience and increased choice.”
Vincent Harrison, Dublin Airport Managing Director, said: “Since Etihad Airways launched the route in 2007, Dublin has been a hugely popular destination in its network, and the return to a double daily service will be welcomed by both business and leisure travellers. “We have been improving the departures and arrivals areas in T1 and have also recently enhanced the boarding gate facilities and the retail experience. We look forward to welcoming Etihad to its new Dublin home from early next year.”
As a result of improved infrastructure at Dublin Airport, Etihad Airways will switch its existing Dublin flights from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1, starting 24 January 2017. The move follows extensive investment in passenger and retail facilities in the terminal by airport operator DAA.
The extra capacity will provide a boost to tourism in Ireland, with visitors from around the world benefitting from a greater choice of flights for a short or long break in a country known for its warmth and hospitality.
Tourism Ireland estimates 65,000 visitors travelled from the UAE to Ireland in 2015, representing an 18 per cent growth over the previous year.
