Emirates has announced plans to launch new service to Erbil, its third Iraqi destination after Basra and Baghdad.
Starting from 12th August 2012, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan will be the carrier’s 17th passenger destination in the Middle East.The new service between Emirates’ hub in Dubai and Erbil will initially operate four times a week, increasing to a daily service from 1st September 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.
Since we first launched flights into Iraq we have seen demand for our services there increase tenfold, said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed AlMaktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group.

“Emirates has been offering a well utilised cargo service to Erbil since February 2011 and we are confident that our new passenger service will be filled in both directions.Erbil has a population of approximately five million people and is the fourth largest city in Iraq. The Iraqi Kurdistan region has the sixth largest oil reserve globally with many of the world’s large oil multinationals availing of offices there.Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, has been operating a freighter out of Erbil since February 2011.We have been facilitating international trade between Erbil and destinations across our network for some time, so we already have a deep understanding of the market and its potential for strong revenue. The launch of Erbil will be our third in Iraq within 18 months, testament not only to the country’s potential but also to our own ability to swiftly enter previously underserved markets, opening them up to our global network of 123 destinations,” added Sheikh Ahmed.

Emirates currently operates a daily flight to Baghdad and four weekly flights to Basra. The airline has dedicated sales offices in both Iraqi cities.Erbil will be Emirates’ 11th new route to launch in 2012. Already this year, the airline has started flights to Dublin, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Dallas Fort Worth, Seattle, Lusaka, Harare and Ho Chi Minh City. Flights to Barcelona, Lisbon and Washington, DC will join the Emirates’ network on July 3rd, July 9th and September 12th respectively.