Gulf Air today revealed it is to operate direct flights from Dublin to the Middle East.
The long-haul operator will run three services a week to Bahrain in the Persian Gulf.
Dublin Airport Authority chief executive Declan Collier said the move would strengthen and develop business links between Ireland and the Middle East.
"In terms of Dublin Airport's fast-growing route network, Gulf's announcement is also welcome as the first long-haul schedule route to a destination outside of North America," he said.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said Ireland will benefit greatly from a new direct air link to the Middle East.
Mr Ahern said the decision by Gulf Air to operate direct flights from Dublin to Bahrain would make it easier for tourists to come directly to Ireland from the Gulf, Asia and Australia.
"In the Gulf countries themselves, 7,000 Irish citizens will now have an easy connection with Ireland, and their families, friends and business colleagues in Ireland will find it easier to visit them," he said.
"It will be a boon to state companies such as ESB International and Aer Rianta International, to private companies . . . and to third-level institutions such as the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, which already hosts 400 students from the Gulf each year and jointly owns and manages the Medical University of Bahrain," Mr Ahern added.
"We have been working hard for some time now to secure a direct service into the Middle East and from there to numerous destinations in Asia, Australia and Africa."
The arrival of Gulf Air brings the number of scheduled airlines operating from Dublin Airport to 48 servicing a total of 116 destinations worldwide.
PA