First flight took off on Saturday
Direct flights resume between Baghdad, Beijing
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Airways has resumed its direct flights from Baghdad to Beijing, with two scheduled flights each week, marking a significant expansion in its network, the Ministry of Transport announced Saturday.
This service, suspended for years due to a lack of suitable aircraft, recommenced with the first flight departing Baghdad International Airport for Beijing Daxing International Airport on Saturday afternoon.
“To expand the national carrier’s destinations to various regional and international sectors, the Iraqi Airways management announced the start of direct flights from Baghdad to Beijing after several years of suspension,” a statement from the ministry said.
Munaf Abdul Munim, the General Manager of Iraqi Airways, stated that the resumption of the route is a significant step, enhancing mutual cooperation between Iraq and China.
The reestablished route aims to support the growing presence of Chinese businesses and workers in Iraq and promote bilateral trade, which exceeded $48 billion in 2022, driven predominantly by Iraqi oil exports.
China plays a crucial role in Iraq’s reconstruction, with projects including the construction of 1,000 schools, the development of Baghdad’s Al-Nisour Square, and significant investments in the oil sector.
Abdul Munim noted that flights are scheduled to depart from Iraq on Saturdays and Tuesdays, with return flights from Beijing on Sundays and Wednesdays.
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