DOHA – Qatar Airways launched flights to its fourth destination in Iraq - to the southern port city of Basra. The new services, operating four-times-a-week non-stop from the airline's Doha hub, takes the carrier's global network to 128 destinations worldwide. The launch also marks the rapid expansion by Qatar Airways in Iraq since the middle of 2012 when it began flights to Erbil, followed by the capital Baghdad and, earlier this year, Najaf. The Basra flights connect to more than 100 destinations worldwide, including London, Paris, Singapore, Bangkok, Beijing, Johannesburg, Melbourne, Delhi and Mumbai. Addressing guests on arrival at Basra International Airport, Fathi Al Shehab acknowledged the warm support of the people of Basra and the local authorities. With the new route launch, Qatar Airways' frequency across Iraq rises from 12 to 16 flights each week - representing a more than 25 percent increase in services. Basra also marks the carrier's fourth new Middle Eastern destination launched so far this year after Najaf, Al Qassim in Saudi Arabia and Salalah in Oman. – SG
