Aegean becomes first European airline to resume Baghdad flights in 35 years

The ministry described the flight as a milestone, marking Iraq’s reentry into European air travel and signaling renewed progress in the country’s aviation industry.

Direct flights between European airlines and Baghdad were suspended in the early 1990s due to security concerns following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait under former president Saddam Hussein. The situation further deteriorated after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, which led to years of conflict, political instability, and armed violence.

In recent years, however, Iraq has seen improving security conditions, and the government is actively working to draw international investment as part of broader efforts to strengthen the national economy.

The new Baghdad–Athens route will initially operate twice weekly, with the potential for increased frequency depending on passenger demand, the ministry said.

Earlier this year, Aegean Airlines also launched services to Irbil, located in Iraq’s semi-autonomous northern region.