Monday marked a significant milestone for Dublin Airport, as it inaugurated a new non-stop route to Shanghai, establishing Ireland’s first direct air connection to China’s largest city. This service, operated by China Eastern Airlines, will offer travelers three flights weekly using the Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The newly launched route takes the title of Dublin Airport’s longest-ever scheduled non-stop flight.
The airport’s operator, daa, has highlighted the strategic importance of this new route, emphasizing that it fortifies Ireland’s connections with one of the world’s key aviation markets. The expectation is that this link will invigorate travel, tourism, trade, and educational exchanges between Ireland and China, fostering stronger bilateral relations.
China Eastern Airlines, headquartered in Shanghai and a member of the SkyTeam alliance, is renowned for its extensive network, offering flights across Europe, Asia, Oceania, North America, South America, and the Middle East. The introduction of this route adds a significant dimension to Dublin Airport’s long-haul network, presenting new opportunities for passengers traveling between the two nations.
Officials from Dublin Airport have expressed optimism about the potential benefits of the new route, anticipating that it will open up new avenues for collaboration and connectivity. This sentiment is echoed by China Eastern Airlines Chairman Wang Zhiqing, who remarked that the service provides a convenient and efficient air corridor, enhancing cooperation and fostering people-to-people connections between Ireland and China.