China Eastern Airlines has inaugurated a new non-stop flight between Dublin Airport and Shanghai, commencing on Monday. This marks Ireland’s first direct aviation link to China’s largest city. The service will operate thrice weekly using Airbus A350-900 aircraft, and it is set to be the longest non-stop flight in Dublin Airport’s schedule.
The introduction of this route is expected to enhance Ireland’s connectivity with one of the major global aviation markets. According to the airport operator, daa, this development is anticipated to boost travel, tourism, trade, and educational exchanges between Ireland and China. The new route is a significant addition to Dublin Airport’s long-haul network, providing fresh opportunities for passengers traveling between the two nations.
China Eastern Airlines is headquartered in Shanghai and is part of the SkyTeam alliance. It operates flights across various continents including Europe, Asia, Oceania, North America, South America, and the Middle East. The airline’s chairman, Wang Zhiqing, highlighted that this service establishes a convenient and efficient air corridor, which will help in strengthening cooperation and fostering people-to-people ties between Ireland and China.
Dublin Airport officials have expressed optimism regarding the potential impact of this new route. They believe it will create significant opportunities for passengers and further integrate Ireland into the international aviation network. This connection is also seen as a strategic move to expand and diversify the airport’s offerings, catering to the growing demand for direct travel routes to major global destinations.