Baghdad airport reaches 90% operational capacity as Turkish flights return

BAGHDAD — Baghdad International Airport said Wednesday that operational activity had risen to nearly 90% following the return of several international airlines and the start of daily Hajj flights to Saudi Arabia.

Airport director Harith al-Obaidi said the operating rate had previously reached 80% after the resumption of Qatari flights and the return of some Iranian carriers, and would continue rising with Turkish flights returning on May 14. Around 20 to 21 airlines are now operating at the airport, up from 17 last week, with the total expected to reach around 30.

Iraqi Airways is operating four daily flights from Baghdad to Medina and other Saudi airports for the Hajj season, contributing to increased traffic.

Iraq first shut its airspace on Feb. 28 following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent missile and drone activity across the region. The Civil Aviation Authority reopened airspace in April following a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, ending a 38-day closure that stranded travelers abroad and disrupted the tourism and transport sectors.