Dublin Airport has inaugurated a landmark non-stop flight route to Shanghai, enhancing Ireland’s connectivity with China’s largest metropolis. This new service, operated by China Eastern Airlines, commenced on Monday and marks the first direct air link between Ireland and Shanghai.
Set to operate three times weekly, the route utilizes Airbus A350-900 aircraft, establishing it as the longest non-stop scheduled flight ever offered by Dublin Airport. The airport’s operator, daa, highlighted that this new route significantly bolsters Ireland’s ties with one of the world’s major aviation hubs and is poised to enhance travel, tourism, trade, and educational interactions between the two nations.
China Eastern Airlines, headquartered in Shanghai and part of the SkyTeam alliance, has a vast network that spans Europe, Asia, Oceania, North and South America, and the Middle East. This new route to Dublin is seen as a substantial addition to the airport’s long-haul offerings, providing travelers with a direct connection between Ireland and China.
Officials from Dublin Airport have emphasized the strategic importance of this launch, noting that it opens up numerous opportunities for passengers traveling between the two countries. Wang Zhiqing, Chairman of China Eastern Airlines, remarked that the service not only establishes a convenient and efficient air corridor but also fosters strengthened cooperation and deeper people-to-people ties between Ireland and China.