Basra to become new arena for Gulf carriers

The southern Iraqi city of Basra is going to become the next arena for Gulf carriers as Qatar Airways and Gulf Air are launching commercial flights to the city early next month amid growing security concerns due to increased insurgency in the country.

The Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), in charge of Iraq, has delayed the launch of commercial flights to Basra by a week, understandably due to the recent sporadic incidents.

Earlier, Qatar Airways announced the launch of its regular direct flights from Doha to Basra on August 30.

Based on the previous CPA approval, Gulf Air had also announced the launch of its flights to the city on September 1.

Emirates, however, had taken a cautious approach. An Emirates spokesperson said the carrier has taken a 'wait and see' approach and is closely monitoring the situation in Iraq. It may not start flights to Basra next month.

Qatar Airways operated some unscheduled flights to Basra in June and July carrying humanitarian aid and personnel.

The airline will launch regular flights to Basra on September 6, which will become the 43rd destination in its network. It will add Seoul, Shanghai and Tripoli later this year.

Subject to final coalition approval, flights will leave Doha at 9.35 am and arrive in Basra at 12 noon. The return flight from Basra will depart at 1pm and arrive in Doha at 1.25pm.

The carrier will operate a weekly flight . Economy Class air fare for the Dubai-Doha-Basra-Doha-Dubai route has been fixed at Dh1,700.

Officials said the response for the flights has been tremendous. This will be the first regular commercial service to Iraq in over a decade.

Ali Al Rais, Qatar Airways' regional manager for the Gulf, said: "Initially we expected to begin services to Basra on August 30. However coalition authorities have informed us today that all commercial services to Basra have been delayed while they make final preparations to receive commercial passengers at Basra International Airport.

"The delay does not diminish our commitment to begin services to Basra. At this stage we expect to begin flights to Basra on September 6 and continue with regular weekly flights every Saturday. The Basra flights will have connections to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We hope to add more services to Basra in the very near future."