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Etihad Airways Increases Frequency from Dublin to Abu Dhabi
ETIHAD Airways has confirmed it is significantly expanding its Irish network with an increase of 3 additional weekly flights starting 01 July 2025. The higher frequency will deliver greater flexibility between Ireland’s capital and Abu Dhabi, responding to increasing customer demand. This new route frequency enhances connectivity between Ireland and the United Arab Emirates, facilitating trade and tourism opportunities in the region.
Ranking second is Australia, with searches
for flights totalling 31,582 in January 2025. A record number of Britons are relocating abroad on working holiday visas, with arrivals surging to nearly 50,000 – up from 31,000 last year and 21,000 the year before. According to search trends, there’s been a
Thailand Tops Brits’ Travel Wish List as Holiday Searches Surge in 2025
WITH the first payday of the year finally here, more than 10 million Brits are locking in their summer holidays. And after the whirlwind of January sales and the buzz of ‘Sunshine Saturday,’ nearly three in ten have set their sights on taking more trips this year.
Fresh search data for 2025, updated with insights from this January, has been analysed by Reboot Online to reveal the top travel destinations Brits are eyeing for the year ahead.
The most searched-for holiday destinations of 2025
1. Thailand
The most searched-for flights of 2025 are to Thailand, raking in 41,664 Google searches in January. This huge surge in tourism can be attributed to Gen Z who are casting their sights well beyond European borders into Asia.
The data noted a 27% increase compared
to last year when flight searches were at just 32,861. Emerging as a new hotspot with the destination attracting tourists all year round, locations like Phuket and Koh Samui are reporting record numbers of tourists. 2. Australia
Have your Say! Ryanair Consumer Panel Returns for 2025
RYANAIR, has announced the return of its ‘Future Flyer’ Customer Panel taking place on Thursday, 24th April at Ryanair’s offices in Dublin, where Ryanair customers across Europe will come together to provide their thoughts on the future of flying. Successful applicants will learn about exciting new projects and have their say on what Ryanair can do to improve the customer journey. Not only that, but panellists will also have the chance to pitch to Ryanair’s CEO, Eddie Wilson, on what the future of flying will look like with a chance to win a €100 Ryanair Gift Card for the best pitch. Those selected will be flown to
Ryanair’s Dublin office to take part in the Customer Panel, where they will share their ideas and recommendations to enhance Ryanair’s customer experience in 2025 and beyond. Ryanair is committed to improving the customer experience as it expects to grow to 300m passengers by 2034. Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dara Brady, said:“We’re delighted to
bring back our ‘Future Flyer’ Customer Panel this year, giving customers a direct role in enhancing Ryanair’s service. As we expect to grow to 300m passengers by 2034, we remain committed to listening to our customers and improving their experience with Ryanair. This panel
will provide invaluable f ee db ac k, helping
us
refine and enhance our customer service t h r o u g h o u t 2025
and
beyond. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make a difference in Ryanair by registering your interest at
Ryanair.com.”
6% increase in those searching for flights out of the UK to the sunny alternative. 3. Japan
In 2024 Japan welcomed more than 36 million tourists, setting a new record with a 47% increase from the previous year. Reboot Online’s research shows that Brits are definitely joining the trends, with 25,646 recorded so far in 2025.
Although some fear the tourism bubble may
burst, the favourable exchange remains a major draw for those seeking a unique and dynamic culture. Flight searches have increased by 42% – the highest of the top 10. 4. Malta
Malta is among Brits’ most searched-for holiday destinations as they’ve been eyeing the Mediterranean gem for years – amounting to 17,582 searches in January alone. Their recent visa-free entry policy has been too good to resist for many. 5. India There were 14,358 searches made for a flight
to India last month, placing it fifth in on the list. Great for those looking for budget-friendly luxury, India captures the perfect blend of culture, wildlife, beaches and history – there’s something for every traveller.
Dublin Airport Unveils Name of New Official Mascot
DUBLIN Airport has revealed the name of its new official hare mascot! Dubby, the new mascot name, was
the runaway winner of a public naming competition, which had been running on the airport’s social media channels. The public were asked to decide between three possible names – Dubby, Collin and Harry – which were shortlisted from over 500 suggestions put forward by the airport’s social media followers. More than 10,000 votes were received,
with Dubby claiming 49%, followed by Harry (36%) and Collin (15%). Dublin Airport opted for a hare as
its official mascot in recognition of the many Irish hares that can be found hopping around the airport campus. Speaking at his official unveiling at Dublin Airport, where he was welcomed by daa CEO Kenny Jacobs, Dubby said: “The welcome I’ve received since
I arrived at Dublin Airport has been deadly. Fair play to everyone. I was in the terminal the other day and I think
some people were wondering “who’s this chancer?!”, but they were all sound. One oul fella thought I was a rabbit, but I told him “away outta that!”. It’s gas here and I can’t wait to get out about and have the craic with passengers. So, c’mere, if you see me around, don’t be shy, get over for a picture or a high five.” Kenny Jacobs, CEO of daa, said: “As
a Cork-man I’ve mixed feelings about the name, but this is a top, top drawer signing for Dublin Airport and we’re delighted to add Dubby to the squad. His ears are a bit bigger than I was expecting, but the important thing is that he’s here and he’s already settled in really well and is giving it 110%. The support he’s had from the passengers so far has been first class. As long as he focuses on the fundamentals – high- fiving the kids in the terminals, posing for selfies, getting out to local schools and clubs in the community – he’s going to do very well here. The hard work starts now.”
Holidaymakers Go In Search of the Northern Lights Direct from Belfast
HOLIDAYMAKERS in search of the Northern Lights set off for a Norwegian coastal voyage direct from Belfast International Airport on Sunday 16 February. A direct flight from Belfast
to Bergen took Hays Travel customers ‘door to door’ on a bucket-list adventure in search of the dazzling Auroa Borealis. Hays Travel staff were on hand at Belfast International Airport at the weekend, helping their 104 passengers
navigate through the check- in process and enjoy an exclusive airside drinks reception.
Fully escorted throughout by Hays Travel colleagues, the 11-night voyage on board Hurtigruten’s MS Polarlys – Norwegian for ‘polar light’ – takes in highlights of the Arctic Circle.
Branch manager at Hays
Travel Carrickfergus, Kelsey Smith-Johnson, was at the airport to greet customers on the day. She said:
“The passengers we met were so excited for the adventure they were about to embark upon. They all said it was lovely to see Hays Travel faces at check in and around the airport. When we handed their drinks vouchers over they were thrilled and said it was a lovely personal touch.” Guests on the Norwegian adventure will also get the opportunity to experience a midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral,
go river kayaking, and visit the majestic North Cape. The winter journey along Norway’s coast,
passing
through quaint ports and communities, takes in more than 100 fjords and 1,000 snow-capped mountains. Hays Travel’s head of Catriona Parsons,
cruise,
said:“We are absolutely delighted to be able to bring this unique offer of our own direct flights to Bergen from Belfast International Airport,
along with the
immersive experience of a Hurtigruten voyage along Norway’s beautiful coastline in pursuit of the stunning Aurora Borealis. “We have three more Hays Travel escorted Northern
Lights voyages
departing from regional UK airports between now and December 2025, including a special New Year voyage from Bournemouth on 29 December 2025.
“Winter 2025 Hays Travel escorted Hurtigruten fly-cruise holidays from regional airports are selling exceptionally fast, so we advise customers to get in touch now if they’d like some unique adventures to look forward to!”
March 2025
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