Details of Ireland's first direct air route to Qatar have been announced. Dublin-Doha will be the first service offered in Ireland by Qatar Airways.

From the Gulf state, it will offer connecting flights to more than 150 destinations, including Tokyo, Sydney, Auckland, Bangkok and Beijing.

Daily flights will be available from June 12th.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr. Akbar Al Baker commented on the announcement, "Qatar Airways is very pleased to add Dublin to its route network. Ireland’s increasing presence in international business and affairs, and its status as a major tourism centre makes it an attractive investment.

"Equally, we know that Dublin will prove a popular destination for the people of Qatar," he added.

Doha / Wikicommons

Dublin Airport Managing Director Vincent Harrison said:

"We're delighted that Qatar Airways will launch its new daily Dublin-Doha service in June connecting Ireland to Qatar and beyond ... Doha is one of eleven new routes at Dublin Airport this year and we are working closely with Qatar Airways to promote this new service."

Dublin is one of 14 new cities, which the airline will add to its network in 2017/18, including Canberra in Australia, Chiang Mai in Thailand and two destinations in Saudi Arabia.

The new service will come in handy if Ireland makes it to the World Cup in 2022.