Baghdad: Iraqi Airways has successfully operated 74 flights to repatriate citizens stranded at various international airports, as announced by the Ministry of Transport. This operation was carried out within a week under the emergency plan directed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, with oversight from Minister of Transport Razzaq Muhaibis al-Saadawi.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry stated that the flights were coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority. The destinations included Beirut, Istanbul, Antalya, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Cairo, Georgia, Mumbai, Delhi, Ankara, Sabiha, Beijing, Karachi, Islamabad, and Muscat.

Iraqi Airways Director General, Manaf Abdul-Moneim Ajil, highlighted during a meeting with company staff that the national carrier has been pivotal in evacuating citizens through Basra International Airport. This operation positions the Green Bird as the sole national carrier conducting such flights amid regional tensions.

The company’s management is actively reviewing and updating its operational plan to adapt to regional developments. So far, Iraqi Airways has transported 23,157 passengers, comprising stranded Iraqi citizens and members of Arab and foreign communities.

The statement from Iraqi Airways emphasized ongoing efforts to utilize all human and technical resources while maintaining coordination with relevant authorities, particularly Iraqi Air Navigation and Airports Management. Basra International Airport has become a central hub for these operations. Iraqi Airways urged all Iraqi passengers with tickets in Beirut and Turkey to confirm their reservations at approved offices before the end of the month to ensure their return on scheduled flights.