DUBAI, 8 September 2006 — Etihad Airways and Air Arabia will restart their commercial services to Beirut from today (Friday 8 September) and Emirates Airline will resume services from tomorrow.

The decision was taken after the reopening of Beirut’s Rafik Al Hariri International Airport and in consultation with the Lebanese authorities.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad has also ensured that its stringent security measures, concerning the safety of all those flying to and from Beirut have been met.

“Etihad is delighted to be resuming flights to Beirut, which is one of our most popular destinations. There is a strong bond between the people of Lebanon and the UAE, and our services will continue to reunite those who were separated during the conflict,” said Geert Boven, acting CEO and VP commercial, Etihad Airways.

Hamad Obaidalla, Emirates’ senior vice president commercial operations — Gulf, Middle East and Iran, said: “Beirut remains an important part of our network in the Middle East and Levant.

In the coming months, we aim to do our part to aid the city’s recovery, by continuing to promote it as a gateway and destination for business and leisure, throughout our network.”

Adel Ali, CEO of Sharjah-based Air Arabia, said: “After the cessation of the war in Lebanon, it is imperative that we ensure that all of us do everything we can to facilitate some degree of normalcy for travelers to and from Lebanon. We realize that there are many who want to go back to their homes and to see family and friends as soon as they can and we want to do all that we can to help.”