The number of passengers flying on regional airlines in the Middle East increased by 23.4 per cent in February compared to the same period last year as the aviation industry shrugged off the impact of the Arab Spring, according to the latest International Air Transport Association (IATA) monthly report

The region's airlines saw traffic grow by 14.5 per cent in January, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Saudi Arabian Airlines has placed an order for eight Boeing 777-300ERs valued at US$2.4 billion.

Emirates has announced a 75 per cent additional capacity increase between Dubai and Baghdad from the beginning of February, boosting its services to seven flights per week in a move to support Iraqi business segments.

Passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport increased by 7.8 per cent during the first 11 months of the year to reach 46.2mn passengers, according to Dubai Airports.