Iraqi Airways to resume Baghdad-Moscow flights next week

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Airways will resume direct flights between Baghdad and Moscow on Tuesday, Aug. 4, following a five-month suspension caused by regional security concerns, the airline said Thursday.

The state-owned carrier said flights would operate twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

The route was suspended in early March after the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran on Feb. 28, triggering Iranian retaliation, widespread flight cancellations and the closure of Iraqi and other regional airspace. Iraq reopened its airspace on April 8 after a closure lasting about 40 days.

Iraqi Airways said the service was also being restored in response to increased demand for direct travel between the Iraqi and Russian capitals.