Dublin Airport has initiated a direct flight route to Shanghai, establishing the first non-stop connection between Ireland and China’s largest city. The service, operated by China Eastern Airlines, commenced on Monday and is scheduled to run three times weekly using Airbus A350-900 aircraft. This new route is set to become the longest non-stop flight ever scheduled from Dublin Airport.
The introduction of this connection is poised to significantly enhance Ireland’s aviation ties with one of the world’s major markets. Officials from the airport operator, daa, have expressed that the new link is anticipated to facilitate increased travel, tourism, trade, and educational exchanges between Ireland and China. This development marks a critical expansion in the airport’s long-haul network, offering new opportunities for passengers traveling between the two nations.
China Eastern Airlines, headquartered in Shanghai and a SkyTeam alliance member, has a broad operational reach across Europe, Asia, Oceania, North America, South America, and the Middle East. The airline’s new service is expected to pave the way for stronger connections and cooperation between the two countries.
According to Wang Zhiqing, Chairman of China Eastern Airlines, the launch of this route creates a convenient and efficient air corridor, fostering closer people-to-people ties. Dublin Airport representatives have echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the strategic significance of the new service in connecting Ireland more directly with China’s bustling metropolis.