Baghdad airport receives the first European plane in more than three decades
YNP:
The Iraqi Ministry of Transport announced today Tuesday the landing of the first European plane at Baghdad International Airport after 35 years of interruption.
The Iraqi Ministry of Transport explained in a statement: “This trip was the culmination of continuous efforts that resulted in the preparation of operational, technical and security requirements, and the improvement of the infrastructure readiness of Iraqi airports, in accordance with international standards approved by European airports. »
The Iraqi Ministry of Transport confirmed: “The flight on the Baghdad – Athens – Baghdad route will be operated on a regular schedule of two flights per week, with the possibility of increasing the number of flights in the future depending on demand and occupancy rates. »
She added: “The flight was operated by Aegean Airlines, the Greek national carrier, to be the first European airline to land in the capital, Baghdad, in over three decades, once again marking Iraq’s return to the European aviation map.”
The statement said: “This step represents a qualitative leap on the path to Iraq’s air opening and reflects the growing level of confidence in the capabilities of Baghdad International Airport and the efficiency of Iraq’s infrastructure. It confirms that Iraqi airports have become a safe operating environment capable of integrating into the international aviation system, especially since Aegean Airlines has an extensive operational network covering 162 global destinations, in addition to a modern and advanced airline fleet.
The Iraqi Ministry of Transport noted that “Oman Air is expected to operate flights to Europe from Baghdad International Airport, which will improve air connectivity between Baghdad and European capitals, open wider horizons for passenger movement and have a positive impact on the tourism, business and economic exchange sectors.”
She said that these developments represent a qualitative addition to the air safety record and directly contribute to supporting efforts to lift the European ban imposed on the Iraqi national carrier, especially in light of the great progress made by Iraqi Airways in the requirements of the IOSA program, since the correction rate of observations and recorded errors reached 81%, a clear indication of the seriousness of the reforms and the commitment to international safety and quality standards.