Baghdad Airport Receives First European Airline Flight in 35 Years

Baghdad International Airport received its first European airline flight in 35 years on Tuesday, marking Iraq’s return to the European aviation map.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Transport, the flight, operated by Greece’s Aegean Airlines, is the first time a European airline has operated flights to Iraq and landed at Baghdad International Airport in more than three decades, signaling renewed confidence in the country’s aviation sector and operational safety standards. The service operates on the Baghdad–Athens–Baghdad route with two weekly flights, with the possibility of increasing frequencies based on demand.

In a related development, the statement revealed future plans for Omani airlines to operate flights from Baghdad to European destinations as part of broader efforts to enhance air connectivity between Iraq and Europe. The move is expected to boost passenger traffic, tourism, business travel, and economic exchange.

The ministry noted that this step reflects improvements in the operational, technical, and security standards at Iraqi airports in line with international aviation requirements. 

Also adding that the development supports Iraq’s efforts to expand air links with Europe and contributes to progress toward lifting the European ban on the national carrier, amid continued improvements in aviation safety standards.