Dubai-based airline Emirates has announced the resumption of daily flights to Beirut and Baghdad, starting 1 February 2025. These services were initially suspended due to regional conflict following Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon in October 2024. The decision to restart flights comes after a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel was reached on 27 November 2024.
During the suspension, other airlines, including Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, and EgyptAir, also halted operations to Beirut amid heightened tensions. Emirates’ decision to reinstate flights reflects its commitment to reconnecting key destinations in the Middle East.
Expanded Services to Beirut
From 1 February, Emirates will operate daily flights to Beirut’s Rafic Al Hariri International Airport using its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The service will provide over 5,000 seats weekly in both directions, enhancing connectivity from Beirut to Dubai and onwards to Emirates’ network of over 140 destinations.In a further expansion, Emirates will introduce a second daily flight to Beirut starting 1 April 2025. This additional morning service (EK957/958) will also be operated with the Boeing 777-300ER, offering passengers increased flexibility and convenience.
The flight schedule to Beirut is as follows (all times local):
- Daily from 1 February: EK953 departs Dubai at 11:30, arriving in Beirut at 14:00. The return flight, EK954, leaves Beirut at 15:30, landing in Dubai at 21:20.
- Second daily from 1 April: EK957 departs Dubai at 07:30, arriving in Beirut at 10:30. The return flight, EK958, leaves Beirut at 12:05, landing in Dubai at 16:55.
Flights to Baghdad Resume
Daily flights to Baghdad will also restart on 1 February, served by Emirates’ Boeing 777 aircraft. The schedule varies by day:
- Sunday, Monday, Wednesday: EK941 departs Dubai at 08:05, arriving in Baghdad at 09:50. EK942 departs Baghdad at 11:25, landing in Dubai at 14:35.
- Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: EK943 departs Dubai at 13:00, arriving in Baghdad at 14:25. EK944 departs Baghdad at 15:55, landing in Dubai at 19:10.
Strengthening Regional Connectivity
The resumption of flights to Beirut and Baghdad is part of Emirates’ broader effort to restore and expand its operations within the Middle East. The airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will offer passengers a choice of three cabin classes—First, Business, and Economy—ensuring a comfortable and luxurious travel experience.With the reinstatement of these routes, Emirates aims to support regional travel, trade, and tourism, reinforcing its position as the largest airline in the Middle East.
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