Baghdad International Airport receives first European flight in 35 years
Source: bne IntelliNews
Iraq announced that Baghdad International Airport has received its first European flight in 35 years, marking a turning point in the revival of the country’s aviation sector, INA reported on December 16, citing Iraq’s Ministry of Transport.
Iraqi and Greek officials present the new link as part of a broader effort to attract investment and signal improving security and aviation standards in Iraq. It comes as part of an overhaul of air services in the Iraqi Republic.
In a statement, the Iraqi ministry said, “The flight followed sustained efforts led by Transport Minister Razzaq Mohibis Al-Saadawi to meet operational, technical and security requirements, alongside upgrades to airport infrastructure in line with internationally recognised standards applied at European airports.”
“The service is being operated by Greece’s national carrier, Aegean Airlines, making it the first European airline to land in the Iraqi capital in more than three decades,” the ministry added.
The route will operate on the Baghdad-Athens-Baghdad line, with two flights per week, and the possibility of increasing frequencies in line with demand and load factors.
The ministry said, “The initiative indicates growing confidence in the capabilities of Baghdad International Airport and the readiness of Iraq’s aviation infrastructure. The Iraqi airports are now considered a safe operating environment compatible with the international aviation system. “
Aegean Airlines operates a network covering 162 global destinations and has a modern fleet, according to the statement.
Officials added that further steps are planned to strengthen air links with Europe, including flights by Oman Air from Baghdad to European destinations. The ministry confirmed that these developments would boost passenger traffic, support tourism and business, and contribute to economic exchange.
The statement confirmed the resumption of European flights supports efforts to lift the European ban on Iraq’s national carrier, citing significant progress by Iraqi Airways under the IOSA safety programme, with 81% of observations addressed.
The Baghdad–Athens launch follows Aegean’s earlier move into Iraq via Erbil and is one element of a wider 2025 network expansion toward the Middle East and surrounding region.
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