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.
Etihad's one-stop flight from Dublin to Sydney also 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.
Aer Lingus and Gulf Air already operate flights to the Arabian peninsula.
