Costello welcomes Ethopian Airlines plans for Dublin

12 April 2015

by Cllr Joe Costello

The decision by Ethiopian Airlines to start scheduled flights into Dublin Airport in June is welcome.  Ethiopian Airlines is the largest carrier in the continent of Africa and when they start to fly to Dublin in June, it will be the first direct scheduled air connection between Ireland and Africa.

Ireland’s traditional links to Africa are very strong – initially established by religious orders providing education and health services and subsequently developed by the strong role played by Irish Aid. There are now rapidly growing trade links with the continent.  The potential of linking all of the fifty-four countries in Africa through an Ethiopian hub into a Dublin base and transatlantic hub is enormous.

As Minister for Trade and Development up to July 2014, I played a role in encouraging the Ethiopian Government to fly into Dublin and to use Ireland as a refuelling stop for its European and transatlantic fleet. 

The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) should look positively at the new developments.  Likewise, Aer Lingus should welcome the increased business in Dublin and hopefully in future in Shannon.  IAG’s proposal to purchase Aer Lingus should not be allowed to interfere with this exciting and valuable new air connectivity for Ireland and Africa.