Beirut, Lebanon – 14 April 2023: Emirates celebrated the Holy month of Ramadan with a special Iftar event hosted by Tamador Kouatly, the airline’s Regional Manager for Levant. Kouatly discussed Emirates’ operational updates in the market, in addition to the latest trends that have shaped the travel and tourism industry over the last three years.
“Emirates has been serving Lebanon for over 30 years, and it’s of our most important markets in the Middle East so we are constantly seeking ways to enhance our services, while responding to healthy passenger demand, both inbound and outbound. Our ongoing commitment is underscored by catering to passenger demand and serving the Lebanese diaspora around the world, and building on customer experience enhancements, to ensure that customers travelling can enjoy the signature Emirates experience. We’re pleased to host distinguished members of the press and influencer community on the occasion of the blessed month of Ramadan, to share our latest business updates and provide valuable insight into the fast-changing dynamics of the travel industry,” commented Kouatly.
Starting from just three weekly flights in 1991, the airline’s operation has substantially grown, and close to 7 million passengers have flown on Emirates between Dubai and Beirut. The airline currently offers double daily flights to Beirut, providing better connectivity and supporting inbound tourism, and connecting travellers, including the Lebanese diaspora to destinations across Africa, the Middle East, North and South America, West Asia, the Far East and Australia via its Dubai hub.
In March 2018, Emirates flagship double-decker aircraft became the first-ever scheduled A380 to arrive at Rafic Al Hariri International Airport, marking a historic moment for both the airline and the airport.
In response to the devastating Port of Beirut blast in August 2020, Emirates rallied to support the Lebanese people alongside the Emirates Airline Foundation, providing cargo space to carry essential items to those affected. The airline helped to uplift more than 160,000 kg of much needed humanitarian cargo to Lebanon, working closely with local and international NGOs.
As a way to facilitate trade and connect Lebanese businesses to Dubai and the world, Emirates transports goods to and from Beirut utilising the bellyhold cargo capacity of close to 20 tonnes each way on its passenger aircraft. From Lebanon, Emirates SkyCargo transports fresh vegetables, fruits and chocolates to key destinations across the Emirates network.