Emirates will commence passenger flights to Baghdad from 13 November, marking the airlines’ second destination in Iraq.

Operating four times per week Baghdad will be Emirates’ fifth international destination to launch in 2011 with Basra and Geneva already operational and Copenhagen and St Petersburg to follow on 1st August and 1st November respectively.

“Baghdad is a strategically important destination for Emirates,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.  “Its geographical location, coupled with the fact that few international carriers operate there, makes it the perfect destination for us to tap into and drive revenue from. With more than five million residents in Baghdad, and its surrounding districts, this new service will provide them with direct access to our vast global network.”

“Our launch into Basra, Iraq in February this year has been a resounding success with flights operating in both directions at capacity. In the four months since we began operations to Iraq thousands of passengers have flown with Emirates between Basra and Dubai seeing the route perform well above expectations.”

With 14 new passenger aircraft still to be delivered in 2011, Emirates continues to grow its network, identifying new markets with strong revenue and existing demand. The airline’s strength in recognising potential in new destination continues to hold it in good stead, following its record financial results released recently.

Emirates operates flights on a daily schedule from Malta to Dubai via Larnaka, Cyprus.