Iraq is to resume direct flights to Beijing in May, according to announcement made by the Iraqi Ministry of Transport yesterday. It marks a significant step in reconnecting with China after a hiatus of several years.
In a statement, the ministry said that the first direct flight will depart from Baghdad International Airport on 4 May, stopping at Basra International Airport before continuing on to Beijing Daxing International Airport.
The country’s flag carrier, Iraqi Airways will undertake this vital route, which is the second of its kind after the Guangzhou route. The statement noted that there will be two flights per week, departing from Iraq on Saturdays and Tuesdays and returning from Beijing on Sundays and Wednesdays.
The director general of Iraqi Airways, Monaf Abdul Munim, was quoted saying that “the operating plan aims to improve service levels, launch multiple competitive offers, and emphasize the company’s commitment to operating the maximum number of flights, transporting passengers, and maximizing financial revenues.”
These flights are not just crucial for boosting tourism but also for strengthening business relations between Iraq and China. The availability of direct flights is expected to enhance convenience for travelers, contribute to the growth of bilateral trade, and increase cultural exchanges between the two nations.
