More Abu Dhabi flights

ETIHAD Airways will soon operate direct flights seven days (up from five) a week from Dublin to Abu Dhabi (the UAE capital) following what chief executive James Hogan has described as an “unprecedented positive reaction in the Irish market” to the recently launched service.

The company confirmed this week it will increase its service from March 30, and Mr Hogan said he was confident it would be of mutual benefit to the airline and consumer. More than 50,000 passengers have flown on the Dublin to Abu Dhabi route since its launch — with an average seat factor of more than 80% and an impressive 73% in business class.

Etihad operates a three-cabin A330-200 to Dublin, configured to carry 200 passengers, offering the airline’s first and business class flatbed seat. The company has tailored many of a huge range of onward flights to suit arrivals/departures between the two cities, with particular emphasis on short transfer times.