Emirates is to launch services from Dubai to Basra in Iraq on February 2.
The airline will run the service on an Airbus A330 four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday if government approval is granted.
The plane will be configured into first, business and economy classes on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday but will only have two classes, business and economy class, on Mondays.
This will be the sixth destination launch for the carrier in the 2010-2011 financial year.
Chairman and chief executive His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum said: “Basra is a significant market for Emirates. The city’s recent growth has paved the way for numerous multinational companies and industries to invest in infrastructure and we have seen strong potential from a number of our markets.
“Since the 2009 oil field bid, traffic from the US and Europe into Basra has increased significantly and we are ready to capitalise on this growth.
EK945 will depart Dubai at 13.45 and touch down in Basra at 14.45 the same day. At 16.15 return flight EK946 departs Basra and arrives in Dubai at 19.00.
The Sheikh added: “Our convenient flight times and good connections make Emirates an excellent choice for corporate travellers to Basra. It has been a strong year of growth for Emirates and this announcement is further proof of our robust expansion plans.”
The airline says key inbound markets on the route will include oil and petrol company employees from the US and Europe plus former Iraqi nationals now scattered around the world.
by Dinah Hatch
