Going on sale between 10 and 17 March, the fare of R4800 is fully inclusive of all taxes and fuel surcharges, and is valid for outbound travel until 30 April. Return travel must be completed by 31 May, and the fare is also valid for travel to other European cities including Brussels, London, Manchester and Paris. Terms and conditions apply. Tickets can be booked through any IATA travel agent, Etihad Airways (toll-free on 0800-98-2363) or www.etihadairways.com.

Craig Thomas, Etihad Airways country manager for South Africa said: “Dublin is one of the most popular destinations in our route network. Etihad traffic between Johannesburg and Dublin has grown significantly, and will continue to do so because of the visa-free ease of transiting through Abu Dhabi as opposed to London’s Heathrow where transit visa regulations are now in effect for South African passport holders. This phenomenal fare will allow travellers to experience more of the emerald isle and enjoy Etihad’s hospitality en-route.”

Etihad will reschedule its Johannesburg service on 28 March to depart at 1.35pm on a daily basis, connecting through Abu Dhabi to all western European destinations in under three hours.

The national airline of the United Arab Emirates has serviced Dublin since July 2007 and recently boosted its flights to the Irish capital moving from six flights a week to a daily service. In the six-months following the launch Etihad carried a staggering 44 000 passengers between Abu Dhabi and Dublin.