Several major airlines have resumed operations to Iraq, marking progress in regional stability and restoring vital air connections. These resumed services follow a temporary halt caused by rising tensions during the recent Iran-Israel conflict.
Airlines return to Iraq after weeks of suspended service due to regional airspace closures. Royal Jordanian, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Gulf Air have all restarted or announced plans to restart flights to key Iraqi cities.
Royal Jordanian resumed its cargo services to Baghdad, Erbil, Basra, and Sulaymaniyah on June 25. The airline had suspended freight operations until June 24 due to airspace shutdowns in both Iraq and Jordan during the 12-day conflict. According to company officials, the full cargo schedule is now active again, and services are running as normal.
Emirates Airlines is set to restart passenger flights soon. Flights to Baghdad will begin on July 1, while flights to Basra will resume on July 2. Emirates had previously suspended flights to Iraq over safety concerns, but the airline views Iraq as an important market. Before the suspension, Emirates ran up to four flights a week to Baghdad.
Qatar Airways has also announced its return. Flights to Baghdad will restart on June 30, followed by Erbil on July 1, Sulaymaniyah and Najaf on July 2, and Basra on July 3. The airline suspended its Iraq routes after direct regional attacks forced the closure of airspace. As conditions improve, Qatar Airways is quickly reestablishing its network in Iraq.
Bahrain’s Gulf Air resumed flights to Baghdad and Najaf today. The airline had paused services earlier this month due to the same conflict-related airspace closures. Its return marks another sign of confidence in improving safety conditions.
The return of service by these airlines shows a strong recovery in regional air traffic. Airlines return to Iraq as a sign that regional skies are becoming safer and more stable. This also reflects Iraq’s growing importance as a key hub for cargo and passenger movement in the Middle East.
The restoration of flights will help support Iraq’s economy by reopening trade links, boosting tourism, and improving international access. As more flights resume, passengers and freight operators will once again benefit from broader travel options.
These positive developments suggest a slow but steady return to normal in Middle Eastern aviation. Airlines return to Iraq not only reconnects the country but also reaffirms its role in regional air traffic.