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EMIRATES commenced its new non-stop service between Dubai and Erbil city in Iraq, making it the eleventh destination launched by the airline this year. The new route marks Emirates’ newest destination in the Middle East region and its third gateway in Iraq, after Baghdad and Basra. The airline also announced its plans to restart flights to Tripoli from October 29, 2012, illustrating Libya’s importance in Emirates’ global network and the airline’s commitment to the country.
“The launch of Erbil marks Emirates’ 16th destination in the Middle East and we are confident that our passenger operations in Erbil will be as successful as our existing Iraqi gateways. Erbil will provide our passengers with an excellent opportunity to travel seamlessly both in and out of Erbil to our worldwide network of 126 destinations in 74 countries,” Adel Al Redha, Emirates executive vice president, engineering and operations.
In addition to Erbil Emirates has launched several other new destinations this year including; Dublin, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Dallas Fort Worth, Seattle, Lusaka, Harare, Ho Chi Minh City, Barcelona, and Lisbon. Flights to Washington DC, Adelaide, Lyon, Phuket and Warsaw will also join the Emirates’ network in the few coming months.
The new service between Emirates’ hub in Dubai and Erbil will initially operate four times a week, increasing to a daily service from September 1, 2012. Emirates will fly its Airbus 340-300 on the route, offering 267 seats in a three-class configuration and more than 13 tonnes of cargo capacity. Emirates currently operates a daily flight to Baghdad and Basra. The airline has dedicated sales offices in both Iraqi cities.