Beirut. Beirut.

As the economic slowdown impacts on business and travel, airlines are reacting by tapping into and promoting new destinations across the region.

Here are the top 10 emerging ‘credit crunch’ destinations airlines are now flying to. (Click on the image on the right for an In Pictures run down of the new destinations)


Beirut, Lebanon

Dubai’s new low-cost carrier flydubai will begin flights to the Lebanese capital on June 1. After the destructive civil war, Beirut underwent a major transformation and its city centre, marina, pubs and nightlife districts have once again rendered it a popular tourist attraction.


Amman, Jordan

Another route that will be serviced by budget carrier flydubai, Jordan’s capital is positioning itself as a busy hub for both business and leisure visitors. Amman is split into two districts, East and West, offering a mix of both traditional and modern attractions. With a number of high rise projects being announced, the city is competing well against places like Beirut and Dubai.


Dubai, UAE

As reports roll in that tourism figures are falling, Dubai’s travel and tourism industry will welcome the news that airlines are still increasing flight schedules to the city. Kuwait-based Jazeera Airways is the latest airline to up its flights to Dubai and being a low-cost carrier it is expected to be a popular route. Lacking ancient attractions, Dubai’s lure for tourists is based mainly on shopping, an abundance of 5-star hotels and year-round sunshine.



Riyadh & Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Many airlines, both regional and international, have increased flight schedules to the two cities of KSA over the last few months and British Airways has chosen 2009 to resume flights to the country following a four-year suspension of the service. The Saudi Arabian Tourism Commission has a long-term vision for the country’s hospitality sector and it estimates visitor numbers will nearly double from 47 million in 2008 to 88 million by 2020, while the number of hotel rooms would rise from 117,097 to 254,310.


Alexandria & Hurghada, Egypt

Once again, the low-cost carriers are the latest to launch new flights to Egypt. Destinations include Alexandria (flydubai) and Hurghada (Jazeera Airways), which both draw in tourists seeking places with a Mediterranean influence. Alexandria has a cosmopolitan buzz, while Hurghada on Egypt’s Red Sea coast boasts stunning coral reefs and turquoise waters.


Mumbai, India

Generating an enormous amount of business from Indians living and working in the region, Middle Eastern carriers have maintained their Mumbai services and even increased capacity in some cases. Low-cost carrier Air Arabia continues to offer cheap flights to ex-pats who are eager to fly home, while India’s largest and most multicultural city continues to attract hoards of tourists every year.


Larnaca, Cyprus

From June, Etihad Airways will launch thrice-weekly flights to Larnaca in Cyprus. The airline believes the route will prove popular with European and UAE travellers looking for cheaper holiday options. Larnaca is the island’s second largest commercial centre. Jazeera Airways also recently added the destination to its expanding route network.


Istanbul, Turkey

Following the addition of Larnaca to its route network, Etihad Airways will also start services to Istanbul in Turkey from June 1. Four flights a week will help develop ties between the UAE and Turkey. The airline estimates that 6,000 Turkish ex-pats live in the UAE and foreign trade figures show Turkey was one of the UAE’s top 10 biggest suppliers in 2008.


Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Emirates Airline started a double-daily service to Kuala Lumpur in May following a re-deployment of aircraft from European and North American routes. Malaysia’s economy suffered the largest fall in Q1 for a decade, but its tourism industry remains buoyant. The city’s Petronas Towers remain a popular visitor attraction and being just 35km from the coast it offers the best of both worlds.


Bangkok, Thailand

From next month Emirates Airline will operate its Airbus A380 on its Bangkok route. The super jumbo was previously used to transport passengers to New York, but a severe decline in demand has seen the aircraft being put to a different use. The crowded city draws in visitors keen to sample streetside cuisine and a buzzing nightlife.