Dublin Airport has welcomed a significant milestone with the launch of a direct flight route to Shanghai, which began operations on Monday. This new service, facilitated by China Eastern Airlines, marks the first direct air connection between Ireland and China’s largest city.
The route will be serviced three times a week using Airbus A350-900 aircraft, setting a record as Dublin Airport’s longest-ever scheduled non-stop flight. The introduction of this connection is expected to enhance Ireland’s engagement with one of the most pivotal aviation markets globally, creating potential boosts in travel, tourism, trade, and educational exchanges between Ireland and China.
China Eastern Airlines, headquartered in Shanghai and part of the SkyTeam alliance, already operates an extensive network across Europe, Asia, Oceania, North America, South America, and the Middle East. The addition of this route is seen as a substantial enhancement to Dublin Airport’s long-haul offerings, providing new opportunities for travelers moving between the two countries.
Officials at Dublin Airport have expressed optimism about the new service, viewing it as a significant expansion of their long-haul network. The route is anticipated to open up fresh opportunities for passengers, facilitating smoother travels between Ireland and China.
Wang Zhiqing, Chairman of China Eastern Airlines, emphasized the importance of the service, noting that it establishes a convenient and efficient air corridor. This new link is expected to bolster cooperation and foster stronger people-to-people ties between the two nations.