Emirates launches Flights to Basra, Iraq

Emirates has launched flights to Basra, the airline's first service into Iraq, and its 110 international destination.

The service will operate four times a week each Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The flight will be operated by an Airbus A330, in a three class configuration, First Class, Business Class and Economy Class on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday and in a two class configuration, Business Class and Economy Class, on Mondays.

EK 945 will depart Dubai at 13:45 and touch down at Basra International Airport at 14:45 the same day. At 16:15, return flight EK 946 will depart Basra touching down in Dubai at 19:10.

“Iraq is experiencing a surge in growth and it is our goal to help the country prosper and flourish. The potential for this destination is significant and Emirates is committed to working alongside the Iraqi authorities to make Basra a success,” said Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline. “Our strong forward bookings for Basra indicate the high demand for services to this destination, particularly from the corporate sector as the city rebuilds. Iraq is a key destination for Emirates and we expect our operations to Basra to thrive alongside the city’s growth.”

Basra is the first new destination for Emirates in 2011 with Geneva to launch on 1 June 2011, followed by Copenhagen on 1 August 2011.

Emirates will operate both passenger and cargo services to and from Basra with an estimated 130 tonnes of freight per week between Dubai and Basra.

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, USA, China, India and the UK - will include petroleum products, grains, wool and dates.

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