Emirates to launch direct flights to Lisbon

The distance between Portugal and the UAE is set to become much shorter when, starting July 9, Emirates Airline launches direct flights from Dubai to Portuguese capital Lisbon, becoming the only carrier based in the Middle East to operate services into Portugal.

With the start of the Emirates flight to Lisbon, the number of tourists from the region is expected to go up significantly to more than 100,000.

Besides tourism interests, Portugal holds importance for the UAE in terms of trade relations. Trade between the two countries has been growing during the past few years. While UAE’s total non-oil trade with Portugal was AED 262 .05 million in 2006, it increased to AED 709.63 million in 2011, according to figures received from Dubai Chamber.

“Portugal’s friendly relations with the UAE and other countries in the region are mainly based on our trade ties. The volume of bilateral trade of both countries has continued to witness a recognizable growth in the recent years. There are plenty of opportunities to enhance our current relationship for mutual benefit, which I am sure will be better utilised with the launch of the direct air link,” said H.E. Cecília Meireles Portugal’s Minister of Tourism.

“Portugal is a tourist’s delight with its history and cultural elements. It is also fully equipped to meet the requirements of visitors, be it retail, transport or accommodation. Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, is also one of its main tourist destinations. With the start of the direct flight, we are expecting a massive increase in visitor numbers to Portugal from this region,” said the President of Tourism of Portugal, Frederico Costa.

“This is a very exciting time for Emirates, the UAE and Portugal. Travellers will be able to travel swiftly to the east, via our excellent and exclusive Terminal 3. While tourists can be flown into Portugal each day from around our vast route network, providing vital tourism revenue, we expect importers, exporters and business people to benefit too as we smooth the flow of commerce and trade between Lisbon, Dubai and beyond.” said Salem Obaidalla, Emirates' senior vice president, commercial operations, Europe & Russian Federation.

Emirates will serve Lisbon with a modern Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. Offering First Class, Business Class and Economy Class cabins, EK 191 will leave Dubai at 0915hrs each day and arrive in Lisbon at 1445hrs. The return flight, EK 192 departs Lisbon at 1755hrs and gets into Dubai at 0435hrs the next day. The Portuguese capital becomes Emirates’ 31st European destination.