Ireland is moving closer to establishing direct air connectivity with India, with the country’s Minister for Public Expenditure, Jack Chambers, expressing optimism that a non-stop flight could be operational within the next two years. The development is seen as a step forward in strengthening both trade and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
During his official visit to India, Minister Chambers engaged in discussions with senior representatives of Air India and IndiGo to explore the potential launch of a direct Dublin–India route. Currently, there are no non-stop flights linking Ireland to any Indian city, requiring travellers to transit through other European or Middle Eastern hubs.
“The development of a direct Ireland–India airline route would expand business opportunities, while also supporting better connectivity for the approximately 100,000 people of Indian origin living in Ireland. It would additionally unlock significant tourism potential,” Chambers said, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of enhanced air links.
Strengthening Trade and Tourism Ties
Chambers’ visit to New Delhi followed the conclusion of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement, finalized after years of negotiations. Accompanied by representatives from IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, he met with key stakeholders across aviation, technology, and pharmaceuticals to explore avenues for increased trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation.
Trade between Ireland and India has grown steadily over the past decade, increasing by nearly 90 percent to reach approximately €16 billion, which represents around 10 percent of total EU-India trade. Sectors such as aviation, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and financial services have been highlighted as key drivers of this growth, emphasizing the strategic rationale for introducing direct air connectivity.
Unlocking Tourism Potential
Direct flights between Dublin and major Indian cities are expected to not only facilitate business and investment but also boost tourism. Ireland, renowned for its lush landscapes, historic cities, and vibrant cultural experiences, would become far more accessible to Indian travellers. Likewise, direct connectivity would simplify travel for the Indian diaspora in Ireland, enabling more frequent visits and stronger cultural exchange.
With growing trade, robust people-to-people connections, and shared economic interests, Ireland’s push for direct air service reflects a strategic effort to integrate air connectivity with broader bilateral relations, offering opportunities for tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange between the two nations.
