The first non-US long haul route operated by Aer Lingus has run into problems over the availability of visas for travellers flying from Dubai to Ireland.

The route, which was expected to carry 70,000 passengers in the first year, is heavily dependent on traffic into Ireland from Dubai and the surrounding region.

Because Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is outside the EU, travellers are required to have a visa. However the nearest Irish embassy capable of issuing them is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, some 866 kilometres away. Irish diplomatic representation for the United Arab Emirates is handled by the embassy in Saudi Arabia

While Aer Lingus reports a large volume of queries about the route, travellers are reluctant to send passports and visa applications to another country. However, the Government is adamant that standard visa and vetting procedures be followed.

While Aer Lingus is hopeful of strong load factors from Dublin to Dubai, healthy outbound volumes are also needed to make the route profitable.

A spokesman for the airline said talks were "ongoing" between Aer Lingus and the Department of Foreign Affairs. The airline favoured a solution "sooner, rather than later", he commented.

Some consideration had been given to Enterprise Ireland issuing visas in the area, but this idea has been rejected. The idea of the British Embassy issuing the visas was also considered at one point.

Aer Lingus is attempting to enter a new phase of its development with the Dubai route. It is the first time Aer Lingus has offered a long-haul destination outside of the US and is the first step in the expansion of its new long-haul network.

Dubai is recognised as the business centre of the Middle East. In addition it has seen a huge growth in tourism from the Irish market over the last 10 years.

The city is the leading hub in the Middle East for destinations such as Bangkok, Hong Kong and Sydney. Dubai will be the fifth route in the Aer Lingus long-haul network along with New York, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles.