Baghdad International Airport on Tuesday received its first European flight in 35 years, marking a significant milestone in Iraq’s efforts to reintegrate into the European and international aviation network.
The Ministry of Transport announced that the arrival of the European aircraft was the result of sustained efforts overseen by Transport Minister Razzaq Muhaibis Al-Saadawi. These efforts focused on meeting operational, technical, and security requirements, as well as enhancing airport infrastructure in line with international standards applied at European airports.
According to a statement carried by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the flight operates on the Baghdad–Athens–Baghdad route under a regular schedule of two flights per week, with the possibility of increasing frequency in the future depending on demand and passenger load factors.
The service is operated by Aegean Airlines, Greece’s national carrier, making it the first European airline to land in the Iraqi capital since the early 1990s. The move signals Iraq’s return to the European aviation map and reflects growing international confidence in the operational readiness and safety standards of Baghdad International Airport.
The ministry described the development as a qualitative shift in Iraq’s air transport openness, noting that Aegean Airlines operates an extensive network covering 162 global destinations and maintains a modern and advanced fleet. This, it said, further underscores the significance of resuming European air links with Baghdad.
In the same context, the ministry revealed plans for additional European-bound flights to be operated via Baghdad International Airport, including services by Oman Air. These routes are expected to strengthen air connectivity between Baghdad and major European capitals, expand passenger movement, and positively impact tourism, business travel, and economic exchange.
The ministry added that these developments contribute directly to improving Iraq’s aviation safety profile and support ongoing efforts to lift the European ban imposed on the national carrier. Iraqi Airways has made notable progress in meeting the requirements of the IOSA safety program, correcting 81 percent of recorded observations, demonstrating serious commitment to international safety and quality standards.
Officials emphasized that the return of European flights reflects Iraq’s renewed regional and international aviation presence, aligning with the government’s vision to modernize civil aviation and position Iraqi airspace as a reliable global transit corridor.
