Emirates has won best business class for the fourth year in a row at the Irish Travel Industry Awards, organised by the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA), the Dubai-based carrier sets the benchmark for premium air travel.
Winning again for 2026 from a shortlist that included Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines, Emirates continues to attract Irish travellers seeking comfort, service, and connectivity on routes to the Middle East, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Americas.
Emirates’ activities in the Irish market centre on its thrice-daily flights from Dublin Airport to Dubai International, a schedule expanded in October 2025 with the addition of a third daily service. This boost has driven record passenger numbers, with over 453,000 travellers carried in 2025, a testament to strong demand for seamless connections via Dubai’s hub.
The airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, frequently deployed on the Dublin route, feature Emirates’ renowned Business Class cabins, offering lie-flat seats with direct aisle access, gourmet dining, and extensive in-flight entertainment. Passengers enjoy chauffeur-driven transfers in many cases, priority boarding, and access to exclusive lounges, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
Irish agents and travellers value Emirates for its competitive fares in premium cabins, generous baggage allowances, and reliable schedules that facilitate multi-destination itineraries. Popular routes include Dubai as a gateway to exotic escapes in the Maldives, Seychelles, Thailand, and India, as well as onward flights to the United States, South Africa, and Australia. The introduction of Premium Economy on Dublin services has broadened appeal, but Business Class remains the flagship, with features like on-demand dining from an à la carte menu, Bulgari amenity kits, and noise-cancelling headphones enhancing the experience.
Trade engagement is a key pillar of Emirates’ Irish operations. The airline maintains a dedicated local team, led by Country Manager Anita Thomas, providing agents with training, marketing support, and responsive assistance. Events such as the 15th anniversary celebration in Ballymagarvey Village, County Meath, in early 2026 brought together key trade partners to highlight ongoing growth and commitment to the market. Emirates sponsors industry initiatives, including categories at the ITAA awards, and promotes onboard Irish products, from Kerrygold butter to Irish whiskey, to foster local connections.
Awards underscore Emirates’ excellence. It secured Airline of the Year, Best Business Class and Best Long-Haul Airline in 2024 and 2025 at the Irish Travel Industry Awards, often sweeping related categories like Airline Trade Team of the Year. In 2025, it also claimed Airline of the Year, Sustainability Focused, reflecting investments in fuel-efficient aircraft, sustainable aviation fuel trials, and carbon reduction programmes. These efforts align with Ireland’s environmental priorities, appealing to corporate and leisure travellers mindful of their footprint.
Emirates’ onboard experience prioritises wellness and entertainment, with Wi-Fi connectivity, mood lighting, and a vast library of films and live TV. Business Class passengers benefit from flat-bed seats that convert to fully horizontal beds, personalised service from multilingual crew, and fine wines curated by a master sommelier. For families and groups, flexible booking options and child-friendly amenities add further appeal.
2026 awards
Previous winners
