Qatar Airways launches flights to Najaf, Iraq

Tuesday, 29 January 2013 00:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Qatar Airways has launched scheduled flights to Najaf in Iraq.

With three Iraqi routes now in its stable, Qatar Airways takes its frequency across Baghdad, Erbil and Najaf up 50% to 12 services each week.

Najaf, to be operated four-times-a-week, becomes destination number 124 in the airline’s global network spanning cities across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.

“With our new Najaf services, we are giving the people of Iraq more choice and greater travel options to fly around the world after years of restricted access to air services. Similarly, with all the reconstruction efforts well underway in Iraq, there is a need for flights to bring in construction workers,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al Baker. “As an air service provider, we at Qatar Airways have the faith and are doing our bit in the rebuilding efforts of the country. Najaf represents a significant part of Qatar Airways’ growth strategy of opening new, diverse routes connecting people in underserved markets to destinations around the world with more ease and convenience than ever before.”

The Doha-Najaf route is being operated by Airbus A320 featuring 144 seats in a two-class configuration of 12 seats in Business Class and 132 in Economy.

The aircraft offers seatback TV screens, providing passengers with the next generation interactive onboard entertainment system, featuring a choice of more than 800 audio and video on-demand options, together with an SMS text messaging service from each seat.