Dublin Airport emerges as a key Gulf gateway in Western Europe

Dublin Airport is gearing up for a busy northern winter, building on strong passenger growth with more than 26 million travellers in the first nine months of 2025, a 3.4% increase year-on-year. The airport continues to expand its European and transatlantic network, adding new routes and reinstating long-haul services.

Aer Lingus is launching flights to Turin and Tromsø, while SkyUp begins operations connecting Dublin with Chișinău, Moldova. Summer 2025 transatlantic routes to Nashville, Indianapolis, and Minneapolis will continue throughout the winter.

Connectivity to the Middle East is also increasing. Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways are expanding services, with Emirates adding a third daily Dublin–Dubai flight from October 26. Emirates has flown over three million passengers on this route since its 2012 launch, making it one of the airline’s most successful European services. The carrier now offers Ireland’s only four-class service, including premium economy.

These expansions reflect a growing trend of Dublin Airport becoming a key gateway between Western Europe and the Gulf region, enhancing its international connectivity and positioning the airport as a hub for business and leisure travel.

Dublin’s winter schedule signals a strategic push to strengthen Middle East links while maintaining robust transatlantic and European operations, catering to rising demand from both leisure and business passengers.

Read the full analysis on Dublin Airport’s expanding Gulf connections.