Emirates has announced increased service to three of its key regional gateways, Dammam, Beirut and Tehran, reinforcing and strengthening the airline's commitment to the Middle East.' Starting May 1st, Emirates will introduce two additional weekly flights to Dammam, three additional weekly flights to Beirut and an extra two weekly flights to Tehran.

'The Middle East is one of the most active aviation markets in the world and an integral part of Emirates operations,' said Ahmed Khoory, Emirates' Senior Vice President Commercial Operations - Gulf Middle East & Iran. 'The addition of these flights has been implemented in recognition of the increased demand for services across the Middle East and will provide much needed capacity on these perpetually busy routes.'

Recent statistics released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) show that demand for services across the Middle East grew 3.1% in January 2009 despite the global economic downturn. Emirates' extensive Middle East network currently covers 14 cities with 180 flights per week. With these additional flights effective May 2009, Emirates will serve the region with 187 flights per week.

The additional flights to Beirut, Dammam and Tehran further an earlier increase in Middle East frequencies - in February, Emirates added capacity to Amman, Riyadh and Jeddah - bringing its weekly operation to: seven flights to Dammam, 17 flights to Beirut and 21 flights to Tehran.