Emirates airline has planned to introduce three additional flights from Dubai to Iraqi southern port city Basra from next month. The move will support the growing number of travellers to the Iraq city. The airline is increasing the service from four to seven flights per week.

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 airline said in a statement.

“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.

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 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.” 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.

Separately, Emirates on Sunday ensured its 10th year of operating in Japan will be one to remember as its flagship Airbus A380 touched down in Tokyo, marking the introduction of the aircraft to its daily non-stop service to Dubai. EK318 was welcomed by a water canon salute to celebrate Tokyo Narita International becoming the 19th airport on Emirates’ global network of 123 destinations to be served by the most comfortable and environmentally advanced commercial aircraft in the skies.

The Emirates A380 service will provide a 38 per cent increase in capacity, equivalent to an additional 135 seats on every flight to Dubai.