Emirates first direct flight to New York from Athens airport took place on Sunday afternoon.
Flight EK209 was given a water salute by AIA once it arrived from Dubai, before continuing its journey to Newark Liberty International Airport. The new Dubai-Athens-Newark route is served by Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
“The new flight connects the largest US metropolis with Dubai, with a stopover at one of the leading European capitals,” said Hubert Frach, Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations of Emirates West, during a special ceremony at AIA.
Emirates’ new Dubai-Athens-Newark flight will provide a year-round non-stop daily service between the US and Greece – a service that has not existed since 2012.
“The relaunch of a connection that has been neglected for years by other airlines is expected to consistently attract high demand, boosting entrepreneurship, culture and entertainment on both sides of the Atlantic,” he added.
The year round direct Athens – New York flight by Emirates is very important development for the Athens market, as it enhances the city’s interconnectivity, offers passengers new options and the excellent travel experience offered by Emirates,” AIA’s CEO, Yiannis Paraschis, said.
“The large number of travellers between Athens and USA annually — which is significantly enhanced by the Greek-American community — demonstrates the growth potential of the service and is a guarantee for its success,” he added.
The secretary general of the Greek Tourism Ministry, Evridiki Kourneta, referred to the considerable growth potential of arrivals to Greece through the year-round non-stop daily service from the US and the United Arab Emirates, two very important markets for Greece.
Greece’s Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura negotiated and supported the introduction of the direct year-round Athens-New York service as part of the national tourism policy that aims at the opening of new foreign markets, extending the tourism season and enhancing connectivity between Greece and abroad.
