DUBLIN, Ireland - Irish authorities welcomed a recent announcement by Russia's flagship carrier, Aeroflot, which unveiled its plans to operate a new daily service between the Irish capital and Moscow.

Aeroflot, that currently serves 146 destinations in 52 countries, announced its return to Dublin, from where it operated a Dublin to Moscow service between 1987 and 2003. 

With travel between Dublin-Moscow route growing at a dramatic pace, Aeroflot announced its plans that were part of its expanding international route network. 

The Russian carrier said in a statement that it would operate a new daily service between Dublin and Moscow starting October 28. 

Vitaly Saveliev, Chief Executive of Aeroflot said, "We are pleased to offer travellers new international destinations as well as additional flights to popular tourist destinations, thus expanding travel options with Aeroflot for both business and leisure travellers."

The Russian carrier added that it would operate the daily service with a single-aisle Airbus A320 aircraft, adding that flights will depart Moscow Sheremetyevo at 19.20 and arrive in Dublin at 20.45 from October to March next year. 

It said that the return flight will depart Dublin at 21.45 and arrive in Moscow Sheremetyevo at 05.00.

The announcement was received positively in the Irish capital.

Citing the increasing demand on the route, Vincent Harrison, Dublin Airport Managing Director said in a statement, "We are delighted to welcome Aeroflot back to Dublin Airport with this direct connection to Moscow. The new service will further boost trade and tourism between Ireland and Russia."

Harrison added, "About 42,000 passengers travelled between Dublin and Moscow last year on indirect flights so I have no doubt this new direct route will be very popular in both directions.

The airport in the capital has pointed out that over 21.2 million passengers have travelled through the Airport so far this year - which it said was a 6 percent increase over the same period last year. 

Meanwhile, the Irish capital also remains a popular destination among Russian tourists.

According to Russia, Aeroflot's new route will not only boost the carrier's network, but is also expected to significantly increase the tourist traffic between the two capitals.