Baghdad:German airlines will resume flights to Baghdad, offering four weekly services from Berlin and Duesseldorf starting in December, according to Iraq’s Transport Ministry.

According to the Iraqi News Agency, Eurowings, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, will provide four direct weekly flights to Baghdad from December 10, 2026. These will include two flights from Berlin and two from Duesseldorf.

The Transport Ministry highlighted that this decision reflects growing confidence in Baghdad International Airport and improvements in Iraq’s air transport environment. Transport Minister Wahib al-Hassani has been actively involved in enhancing compliance with international standards for Iraqi airlines and airports since taking office in mid-May.

In recent months, Baghdad International Airport has undergone several visits from technical and operational delegations who have conducted field inspections to ensure compliance with international airport security, safety, and operational standards.

The return of a Lufthansa Group airline to Baghdad is seen as a significant step in expanding European carrier presence in Iraq. It could potentially pave the way for other airlines within the group, as well as other European carriers, to launch additional direct routes to Baghdad.

The ministry believes that resuming direct flights will boost trade, investment, and tourism while facilitating travel for businesspeople and passengers. This initiative is also expected to support economic, security, and technical cooperation between Iraq, Germany, and other European nations.

Furthermore, the ministry noted that attracting new European and international airlines aligns with its strategy to enhance Iraqi airports by improving service, operational efficiency, and security, and by expanding the network of direct international destinations.

German passenger airlines last operated flights between Germany and Iraq in the early 1980s. This resumption marks their first return to passenger services between the two countries since then. Additionally, over 10 German airlines have submitted applications to Iraqi authorities to operate flights in the near future.