Iraqi Airways commences direct service between Abu Dhabi and Baghdad

The national carrier of Iraq, Iraqi Airways, has commenced flights between the country’s capital, Baghdad, and the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi.

The inaugural flight, using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, landed at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Saturday August 7, at 5pm.

Initially, the airline will operate a single flight each week between the two capitals, and then increase the frequency to twice a week (Saturdays and Tuesdays), once demand for travel ramps up.

On both days, the flights will depart from Baghdad at 1.45pm and arrive Abu Dhabi at 5pm. The return flight will take off from Abu Dhabi at 6pm, landing in the Iraqi capital at 7.15pm.

“Iraqi Airways is proud to commence operations between Abu Dhabi and Baghdad. We believe that connecting the two capitals will strengthen the relations between our countries, delivering greater corporation to enable successful operations in this sector,” said Captain Kifah Jabar, CEO of Iraqi Airways.

Meanwhile, Francois Bourienne, CCO at Abu Dhabi Airports added, “The introduction of the new flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Baghdad will support the Iraqi community in the UAE, facilitating a smoother travel experience for them.”

Iraq is not currently on Abu Dhabi’s green list of countries. Vaccinated travellers from green list countries are exempt from mandatory quarantine measures after landing in Abu Dhabi, but are required to undergo PCR testing upon arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport, as well as another PCR test on day 6.

Unvaccinated travellers arriving from green list countries are also exempt from mandatory quarantine but require to undergo PCR testing on arrival, as well as two further PCR tests on day 6 and 12.