Greece-UAE Explore Possibility of New Dubai–Thessaloniki–New York Air Route

Greece once again expressed interest on the possibility of Dubai-based Emirates Airline launching a new passenger service to New York via Thessaloniki.

On the sidelines of the Thessaloniki International Fair on Sunday, Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias held talks on the issue with the United Arab Emirates Economy Minister Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri.

“I discussed with the Minister of Economy of the United Arab Emirates, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, the possibility of Emirates opening a new Dubai – Thessaloniki – New York flight. The profits will be multiple for the city’s economy and its role in the Balkans,” Kikilias said on Twitter.

Ambassador of the UAE to Greece Sulaiman Al Mazroui, UAE Economy Minister Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri and Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias.

The minister has said on many occasions that linking New York and Dubai with Thessaloniki would bring many benefits as it would contribute to establishing the northern port city into a hub for the Balkans.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Thessaloniki Mayor Konstantinos Zervas and the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Greece Sulaiman Al Mazroui also discussed the possibility of Emirates opening a new Dubai – Thessaloniki – New York route. During a meeting at the Municipality of Thessaloniki, the mayor highlighted the advantages that the route would bring to all sides.

Thessaloniki Deputy Mayor of Culture and Tourism Maria Karagianni, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Greece Sulaiman Al Mazroui and Thessaloniki Mayor Konstantinos Zervas.

Mayor Zervas and the ambassador also discussed ways to attract investments from UAE to Thessaloniki and strengthen cooperation in the sectors of economy and tourism.

Emirates since 2017 has been flying a direct, daily and year-round connection between Athens International Airport (AIA) and New York (Newark Airport), a route that has proven popular among Greek travelers.