KLM to take off from Dublin Airport for first time in 50 years
Airliner KLM will take off from Dublin Airport for the first time in half a century after sealing a deal on a new route to Amsterdam.
The Dutch flag carrier will start its twice daily service between the Irish capital and Schiphol Airport on October 30.
The flights will link into KLM's long haul routes, opening up "easy connections" to destinations such as Johannesburg, Havana, Beijing and Hong Kong, the airline says.
Return fares between Dublin and Amsterdam will be upwards of €99.
KLM was the first continental carrier to serve Dublin Airport in 1947. The airline pulled out in 1966 - 50 years ago this year.
Vincent Harrison, managing director of Dublin Airport, said the service was the 16th new route announced already this year under expansion plans.
"After five decades away, we're delighted to welcome KLM back to Dublin Airport," he said.
"This new service will offer enhanced choice and connectivity to passengers travelling to Amsterdam and also for those connecting to onward destinations from the Schiphol hub."
Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, has said the announcement is “more good news for Irish tourism”.
“Today’s announcement by KLM is more good news for Irish tourism, as we head into the high season”, said Gibbons.
“Not only will it help grow visitor numbers from the Netherlands, but this new flight will offer connectivity from other important tourism markets, including North America, Asia and the Middle East. We look forward to co-operating with KLM to maximise the promotion of this new service from Amsterdam to Dublin.
“As an island, the importance of convenient, direct, non-stop flights cannot be overstated – they are absolutely critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism.”
Aer Lingus will continue to run two flights every day between Dublin and Amsterdam.
