Baghdad International Airport has resumed direct flights from Europe after decades, significantly improving access for international tourists and boosting confidence in Iraq as an emerging travel destination.
Aflight operated by Greece's Aegean Airlines had been the first European aircraft in 35 years to land at Baghdad's airport, Iraq's Transport Ministry said Tuesday.
In a statement, the ministry said the arrival signalled "Iraq's return to the European aviation map" and ushered in "a new phase of recovery for Iraq's aviation sector."
European airlines have not operated direct flights to Baghdad International Airport for security reasons since the early 1990s, when Iraq's longtime ruler Saddam Hussein invaded neighboring Kuwait.
