In an important move to support the growing number of travellers to Basra, Emirates will introduce three additional flights between Dubai and the Iraqi southern port city, increasing the service from four to seven flights per week.
Starting from 1st August, EK 945 will depart daily from Dubai at 13:55 hours and touch down at Basra International Airport at 14:45 hours the same day. At 16:15 hours, return flight EK 946 will depart Basra touching down in Dubai at 19:15 hours.
The extra flights will increase existing capacity by 79 per cent per week in both directions, making it easier for both business and leisure travellers in Basra to connect seamlessly with key industry hubs in the US and Europe.
?The decision to introduce these additional flights to Basra highlights the destination?s importance within our growing global network. Since its launch Basra has seen incredibly strong passenger loads, providing an integral link between south of Iraq and the rest of the world through its convenient connections in Dubai,? said Ahmed Khoory, Emirates? Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East and Iran.
Emirates to operation daily to Basra starting from 1st August 2012
Well positioned, close to the oil fields and the Gulf, Basra continues to attract investments from major corporations around the globe. Local authorities in Basra have also started developing plans to attract inbound tourism, highlighting the city?s rich heritage.
Some of the most popular attractions include the old mosque of Basra, the first mosque in Islam outside the Arabian Peninsula, the tourist landmark Sinbad Island, and Sayab’s house ruins, the home of the Iraqi famous poet Badr Shakir al-Sayyab and many more.
?For Emirates, Iraq represents an opportunity for us to expand our business. We will continue to invest in Iraq, empowering the local economy and helping it expand its business and tourism presence.? Mr Khoory added
The flight will continue to be operated by an Airbus A330, in a three class configuration offering 12 seats in First Class, 42 seats in Business Class and 183 seats in Economy Class.
In addition to transporting equipment for oil and petroleum companies Emirates expects to carry a diverse range of goods from all corners of the globe, including perishable foodstuffs, medical products, car parts, garments, textiles and various electronic items such as mobile phones.
Goods travelling in the other direction ? to the likes of the United States, China, India and the UK – will include petroleum products, grains, wool and dates.
Recently announced, Emirates will start new passenger flight to Erbil its third gateway in Iraq starting from 12th August. The airline currently operates a daily flight to Baghdad and four weekly services to Basra in Iraq and has sales offices located in both Basra and Baghdad.