Emirates Restores Key Routes to Beirut, Baghdad
Emirates will resume flights to Beirut and Baghdad from 1 February 2025. This marks their most important return to these Middle Eastern destinations after the September 2024 suspension. The airline made this decision after a soaring win with the ceasefire agreement signed in late November that strengthens regional connectivity and diplomatic ties.
The airline will operate daily flights with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and provide more than 5,000 weekly seats both ways on the Beirut route. Based on just need, Emirates plans to launch a second daily service to Beirut from April 1, 2025. This expansion will strengthen its Middle East network and give passengers more travel options through Dubai.
Emirates Flight Route Expansion Details
Emirates will operate its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on daily flights to Rafic Al Hariri International Airport. The service will offer more than 5,000 weekly seats each way. The three-class configuration improves passenger comfort on flights connecting Beirut to Dubai and beyond to over 140 global destinations.
Flight schedules will see significant changes. From February 1, flight EK953 will leave Dubai at 11:30 AM and land in Beirut at 2:00 PM. The return flight EK954 will depart Beirut at 3:30 PM and touch down in Dubai at 9:20 PM. A second daily service starts April 1, with EK957 departing Dubai at 7:30 AM to reach Beirut at 10:30 AM. Flight EK958 will then leave Beirut at 12:05 PM and arrive in Dubai at 4:55 PM.
Baghdad flights follow a unique weekly schedule. Flight EK941 departs Dubai at 8:05 AM and reaches Baghdad at 9:50 AM on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. Return flight EK942 takes off at 11:25 AM and lands in Dubai at 2:35 PM. Different timings apply on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. EK943 leaves Dubai at 1:00 PM and arrives in Baghdad at 2:25 PM. Return flight EK944 departs Baghdad at 3:55 PM and reaches Dubai at 7:10 PM.
Emirates’ network continues to grow stronger with 162 strategic collaborations across 100 countries. These partnerships help 61,000 passengers connect weekly through shared networks. Travelers can now access nearly 1,700 more cities beyond Emirates’ direct routes.
Regional Market Impact
Middle East aviation sector shows remarkable growth. International passenger traffic surged by 11.6% year-over-year in November 2024. The region’s carriers, especially Emirates, show exceptional performance at major aviation hubs despite ongoing geopolitical challenges.
Flights resumed to Beirut and Baghdad line up with broader market trends. Middle East-Asia routes recorded a 9.5% increase in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK). The Africa-Middle East route area achieved the highest growth at 12.7% year-over-year.
The Middle East aviation market size will expand by USD 10.16 billion between 2024 and 2029, with a steady CAGR of 3%. Regional airlines earned an impressive AED 84.82 in profit per passenger in 2024, the highest globally. This strong performance resulted in an estimated net profit of AED 19.46 billion for Middle Eastern carriers in 2024.
Passenger traffic in the Middle East hit 429 million in 2024, a 5.4% increase over 2019 figures. The UAE and Saudi Arabia dominate the market and collectively account for 61% of all airline capacity in the region. The UAE market operates with 100% international capacity, while Saudi Arabia maintains 45% (33.6 million) seats on domestic services.
The region’s exceptional financial results come from strong regional economic growth, major infrastructure investment, and strategic advantages from Russian airspace closure to European and US carriers. Then, Middle Eastern airlines expect even stronger profits of AED 21.66 billion in 2025. Profit per passenger should reach AED 87.76, more than triple the global average of AED 25.70.
Passenger Benefits and Connectivity
Emirates operates these restored routes with their Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The three-class configuration includes 32 next-generation Business Class seats, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 Economy Class seats. Passengers enjoy roomy cabins with high ceilings and plenty of bin space. The aircraft’s custom mood lighting helps reduce fatigue and jet lag.
Emirates’ partnership network spans 162 partners in 100 countries. About 61,000 passengers each week connect naturally on shared networks. Passengers can book single-ticket journeys and get their bags transferred directly. They also earn frequent flyer benefits with partner airlines.
Passengers get these key benefits:
- Connections to more than 140 global destinations through Dubai hub
- Over 5,000 weekly seats each way on Beirut route
- Premium lounge access for qualified passengers
- Multiple daily flights with flexible timing options
Emirates’ partnership with flydubai gives customers access to over 230 destinations in 100 countries. Passengers can choose from 275 codeshare flights daily. The airline’s partnerships with United, Air Canada and others connect passengers to more than 375 cities across Canada, Mexico, Caribbean Islands, and Central and South America.
Rail partnerships in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Austria, and Sweden add ground travel options. Passengers can explore multiple cities with a single ticket. This connected network gives travelers more choices as they move between regions.
Emirates has resumed flights to Beirut and Baghdad. This return represents a major step forward in Middle Eastern aviation and improves regional connectivity to meet market needs. Passengers can now enjoy daily flights on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft that provide premium comfort in three cabin classes.
Middle Eastern carriers lead the global aviation industry with the highest profit per passenger at AED 84.82. The market is set to grow by USD 10.16 billion from 2024 to 2029, which shows the region’s economic strength and advantages.
The restored routes add to Emirates’ wide-reaching network. Through mutually beneficial alliances with 162 partners across 100 countries, travelers can reach 1,700 more cities beyond direct destinations. Rail partnerships across Europe give passengers more ground travel options.
Emirates focuses on passenger comfort and network growth to lead Middle Eastern aviation into the future. Regional profits will reach AED 21.66 billion by 2025, without doubt pointing to continued growth and better travel choices for passengers worldwide.
