Greek Aegean Airlines Completes First EU Flight to Baghdad in 35 Years
Key Points
- 1Aegean Airlines completed the first direct flight by a European Union carrier to Baghdad in 35 years, landing on Tuesday.
- 2The flight signifies Iraq's successful effort to return to the European commercial aviation map after decades of restricted access.
- 3The resumption of service is a strong indicator of improved security and operational confidence by European aviation regulators regarding Baghdad International Airport.
- 4This landmark route development is expected to boost diplomatic and commercial ties between Greece and Iraq.
The Iraqi Ministry of Transport confirmed that a flight operated by Greece's Aegean Airlines landed at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) on Tuesday, marking the first time a European Union carrier has served the route in 35 years. This historic arrival signals a major step in Iraq's efforts to reintegrate into the global commercial aviation network following decades of geopolitical instability and security concerns that restricted direct European air links.
The resumption of service by a major EU airline is viewed as a crucial indicator of improved security and stability within Iraq, potentially paving the way for further route development and economic cooperation. For Aegean Airlines, this new connection expands its Middle Eastern footprint and capitalizes on renewed interest in linking Europe and Iraq. The flight's successful operation suggests that European aviation safety regulators are increasingly confident in the operational environment at BGW, which could encourage other EU carriers to explore similar opportunities in the near future. The route is expected to facilitate diplomatic and commercial traffic between the two regions.
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