Emirates resumes daily flights as UAE reopens embassy in Beirut
Daily services to Lebanon from February, expanding to twice daily by April
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the reopening of its embassy in Beirut, which had been closed since October 2021.
The move is seen as a significant step toward improving ties with Lebanon after a period of strained relations. Coinciding with this diplomatic development, Emirates Airlines has revealed plans to resume its daily flights to Beirut and Baghdad starting February 1, 2025.
UAE-Lebanon ties
The reopening of the UAE Embassy marks the end of a diplomatic crisis that began when Gulf countries severed ties with Lebanon following controversial remarks by a Lebanese minister in 2021. According to UAE officials, this move reflects a commitment to fostering bilateral relations and supporting Lebanon’s stability. Omar Obaid Al Shamsi, Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the fraternal ties between the two nations and the opportunities for collaboration across various sectors.
An Emirati delegation visited Beirut on January 13 to oversee arrangements for the reopening. This development comes shortly after a phone conversation between UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, during which both leaders expressed hopes for strengthened relations.
Emirates returns to Beirut
Emirates Airlines will resume its daily flights to Rafic Al Hariri International Airport in Beirut using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft configured in three classes. Passengers can expect enhanced travel options, with more than 5,000 seats available both ways each week. The flight schedule is as follows:
EK953/954: Departs Dubai at 1130hrs, arriving in Beirut at 1400hrs. Return flight leaves Beirut at 1530hrs, landing in Dubai at 2120hrs.
From April 1, 2025: A second daily service (EK957/958) will operate, with morning departures at 0730hrs from Dubai, reaching Beirut at 1030hrs. The return leg departs Beirut at 1205hrs, arriving in Dubai by 1655hrs.
This dual service from April aims to cater to increasing demand and further strengthen connectivity between Dubai and Beirut.
Emirates had previously suspended its services to Beirut and Baghdad amid regional tensions. The suspension was extended multiple times, with the last announcement in July 2024 restricting transit passengers via Dubai to these destinations. Flydubai, however, maintained limited operations to Baghdad.
The reopening of flights aligns with efforts by several Gulf countries to mend ties with Lebanon, highlighted by Air Arabia’s announcement to restart Abu Dhabi-Beirut services on January 9, 2025. This low-cost carrier will operate four weekly flights, enhancing travel flexibility for passengers.
Flights to Baghdad resume
In tandem with Beirut services, Emirates will also reinstate daily flights to Baghdad. Operating on a Boeing 777, the schedule differs across the week:
On Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday, EK941 departs Dubai at 0805hrs, arriving in Baghdad by 0950hrs. The return flight EK942 leaves Baghdad at 1125hrs, landing in Dubai by 1435hrs.
On Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, EK943 departs Dubai at 1300hrs, reaching Baghdad by 1425hrs. The return flight EK944 takes off at 1555hrs, arriving in Dubai at 1910hrs.
The resumption of these flights reflects Emirates’ strategic efforts to meet passenger demand while maintaining connectivity across key Middle Eastern routes.