Emirates Airlines has announced that by the end of 2024, an impressive 450,000 passengers will have travelled between Ireland and Dubai, highlighting a continued surge in demand for international travel among Irish holidaymakers and business travellers alike. This record figure reinforces the airline’s commitment to providing top-tier service on this increasingly popular route.
Dubai remains Emirates’ primary destination from Ireland, but 2024 has also seen a significant uptick in demand for other destinations, including Australia, Thailand, South Africa, Vietnam, and idyllic Indian Ocean spots such as the Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles.
Globally, Emirates has experienced a thriving year, carrying 26.9 million passengers between April and September 2024, representing a 3% increase compared to the same timeframe last year.
Anita Thomas, Emirates’ Country Manager for Ireland, commented on evolving travel trends among Irish passengers. She noted a growing number of families opting for Dubai as their holiday destination, alongside a marked rise in First and Business Class bookings among leisure travellers.
“We are witnessing a notable shift in booking behaviours, with more leisure travellers choosing our premium cabins and planning their trips well in advance,” said Thomas. “This contrasts with the previous two years when corporate travellers tended to book our premium services closer to their departure dates. This trend is expected to persist into 2025, with our popular destinations like Dubai, Australia, and emerging hotspots like Bali already showing strong early bookings.”
Emirates Airlines operates a double daily service from Dublin, utilising state-of-the-art Boeing 777 aircraft, each capable of accommodating 360 passengers and carrying 25 tonnes of cargo. This ensures that the airline can meet the growing demand while also supporting Irish businesses by featuring local products such as Keogh’s Crisps, Killowen Yogurt, Baileys Original Irish Cream, and VOYA skincare in its global offering. Additionally, Dublin-based Botany Weavers provides onboard textiles, including seat and curtain fabrics and carpeting for many of Emirates’ aircraft.
Passengers flying with Emirates can expect an unparalleled inflight experience, courtesy of the award-winning entertainment system, ice, which offers up to 6,500 channels of content. This year, ice has expanded to include Spotify, allowing Irish travellers to stream their favourite music during their journey.
Moreover, Emirates has introduced a new Premium Economy Class on select routes, elevating the travel experience for passengers. This cabin features spacious cream leather seats, enhanced legroom with deeper recline, and elevated leg rests for optimal comfort. Guests can also indulge in premium dining experiences with locally inspired menus.
While the Airbus A350 has recently joined the Emirates fleet, it is not yet available on Irish routes. However, Irish passengers can still experience the A350’s wider cabins and advanced onboard features when connecting through Dubai to various destinations served by this next-generation aircraft.
As Emirates Airlines continues to expand its services and enhance the travel experience, the airline solidifies its role as a vital link between Ireland and the world, fostering a bright future for international travel.
