Emirates has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence in the Irish travel market, securing the Supplier Support Team – Airline award at the 2026 Irish Travel Industry Awards for the third year in a row.
The prestigious accolade, presented at the gala ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House and organised by the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) in association with MSC Cruises, recognised Emirates ahead of a strong shortlist including Aer Lingus, Air Canada, TAP Air Portugal, and United Airlines. This win highlights the airline’s dedicated Irish team and their exceptional support for travel agents, reinforcing Emirates’ longstanding reputation as a top long-haul partner.
Emirates first launched its daily Dublin–Dubai service in January 2012, marking 15 years of operations in Ireland by early 2026. The route has grown significantly, with a third daily frequency added in recent years and the introduction of Premium Economy cabins as part of a fleet retrofit programme. In 2025, Emirates carried over 453,000 passengers to and from Ireland, with approximately 275,000 outbound from Dublin to its global network via Dubai—figures that underscore robust demand for connections to Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Americas.
The airline’s activities in the Irish market emphasise deep engagement with the travel trade. Emirates maintains a responsive local team led by Country Manager Anita Thomas, providing agents with direct access for bookings, queries, and client support. Agents praise the team’s availability—often described as “always someone to pick up the phone”—ensuring swift resolutions from itinerary changes to special requests. This hands-on approach fosters strong partnerships with agencies nationwide, including major operators and independents who feature Emirates prominently in long-haul packages.
Trade events form a cornerstone of Emirates’ strategy. The airline hosts regular appreciation evenings, such as the milestone 15-year celebration at Ballymagarvey Village in County Meath in January 2026, where key agents, media, and stakeholders gathered with senior executives including Vice President Pierfrancesco Carino. Summer trade gatherings at venues like the Aviva Stadium, often in collaboration with Dubai Tourism and partners, showcase product updates, networking, and incentives. Familiarisation trips to Dubai and beyond allow agents to experience Emirates’ renowned service firsthand—the famous ice inflight entertainment, gourmet dining, and luxurious cabins—translating into authentic sales pitches.
Marketing support is tailored to Irish preferences, promoting Dubai as a gateway for exotic holidays, stopover packages, and seamless connections. Campaigns highlight value-added perks like complimentary chauffeur-drive for premium passengers, generous baggage allowances, and family-friendly amenities. Emirates collaborates with the ITAA and industry media to amplify promotions, while sponsorships—including of award categories—strengthen visibility. Agents benefit from competitive commissions, user-friendly booking tools, and training sessions on product features, helping them upsell premium cabins and multi-destination itineraries.
Emirates’ focus extends to sustainability and innovation, with messaging on fuel-efficient operations and eco-initiatives appealing to conscious travellers. The airline’s consistent performance—frequent wins in long-haul and business class categories—builds agent confidence, driving repeat business for beach escapes, city breaks, and adventure trips. As Maura Fahy said at the 15th anniversary celebrations in county Meath, even to get someone to answer the phone is a standout feature for a trade support team.
2026 awards
Previous winners
