First direct flights takes off to Abu Dhabi

The inaugural direct flight from Dublin to Abu Dhabi in the Middle East by Etihad Airways takes off today.

The new four-times-a-week service will be able to carry 1,600 passengers a week to the growing tourist resorts in the United Arab Emirates.

And Etihad’s one-stop flight from Dublin to Sydney offers Irish travellers the fastest flight to Australia.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said the airline was confident the service will be a huge success.

“We are confident that this new direct link to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, will be a major success, meeting the travel and transportation requirements of businesses and holidaymakers in Ireland, Abu Dhabi and other regions around the world,” he said.

Aer Lingus and Gulf Air already operate flights to the Arabian peninsula.