Etihad Airways Launches Basra Flights

Etihad Airways has launched flights between Abu Dhabi and Basra in southern Iraq.

Basra is Etihad Airways’ third destination in Iraq, having launched flights to the capital, Baghdad, in April 2010, and Erbil in the north since June 2010.

Last year Etihad Airways carried more than 100,000 passengers between Abu Dhabi and these two cities, with the Baghdad route enjoying particularly strong growth.

The new Airbus A320 service to Basra, with 16 Pearl Business class seats and 120 seats in Coral Economy class, will operate four times a week.

“These new services are an important step for Etihad Airways and for the UAE, reflecting a commitment to strengthening ties in the region,” said Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan. “Basra is an important industrial and transport hub but currently has limited access to air services. Our new flight will make a significant contribution to improving this situation for the people of the region.”

Oil and gas represent the backbone of the local economy and major companies rotating staff in and out of Basra have expressed strong interest in the new flights. 

Etihad Airways launched cargo operations to Iraq in September 2009. Today, these operations are performing strongly and Etihad Cargo has increased frequency from two to three weekly services to Erbil.

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