Middle East Airlines increases its presence in Iraq

Middle East Airlines, the flag carrier of Lebanon, strengthened its presence in Iraq with the addition of a new service from Beirut (BEY) to Basra (BSR) on 30 March. The 1,213-kilometre sector to Iraq’s main port will be operated twice-weekly (Thursdays and Sundays), utilising the airline’s 126-seat A320s. The carrier’s fourth route to Iraq, as it already serves Baghdad, Erbil and Al Najaf, will face direct competition from Iraqi Airways’ thrice-weekly flights.