An additional daily year-round service by Etihad Airways between Dubin and Abu Dhabi will see frequency rise to 14 flights a week from next year.
A second daily flight will run from April 1, 2017, to coincide with the UAE carrier’s 10th anniversary of flying to the Irish capital.
Operating with a two-class Airbus A330-200 with 22 business and 240 economy class seats, the extra daily service will provide improved connectivity to onward destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent, Asia and Australia.
The airline will switch its existing flights from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 from January 24 as a result of improved infrastructure at Dublin airport.
The move follows extensive investment in passenger and retail facilities in the terminal by airport operator DAA.
Etihad Aviation Group chief strategy and planning officer, Kevin Knight, said: “We are delighted to announce the Dublin frequencies moving from a seasonal double daily to twice-daily year-round service.
“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.”
Dublin airport managing director Vincent Harrison added: “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.”
Beatrice Cosgrove, Etihad Airways general manager Ireland, said: “With our enhanced schedules from next April, we will be able to provide excellent new connections for travellers from Ireland to many more destinations in our network via Abu Dhabi. The expansion comes as we celebrate 10 years of flying on the route and welcome more guests to enjoy our fine hospitality and service.”
Etihad Airways recently hosted a delegation of officials from Tourism Ireland led by CEO Niall Gibbons as part of a travel trade incentive roadshow for UAE agents to promote holidays to Ireland.
Tourism Ireland estimates 65,000 visitors travelled from the UAE to Ireland in 2015, representing an 18 per cent growth over the previous year.