Aegean Airlines is set to become the first European carrier in years to operate direct flights to Baghdad, following an announcement by Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis during an official visit to Iraq. The inaugural flight from Athens to the Iraqi capital is scheduled for December 16, marking a significant milestone in restoring air connectivity between Europe and central Iraq.
At a joint press briefing with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Gerapetritis emphasized that the new route will serve as a bridge for stronger diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations.
“This step will substantially enhance our people-to-people relations, as well as deepen economic and cultural engagement,” he stated.
A Strategic Expansion into an Under-Served Market
While several European carriers operate direct flights to Irbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous Kurdish region, European airlines have long avoided Baghdad due to security risks. Aegean’s move makes it the first airline from the European Union to reestablish a direct connection to the city.
Following years of conflict triggered by the 2003 invasion and subsequent extremist insurgencies—including the rise of the Islamic State group—Iraq’s security landscape has gradually stabilized. As a result, aviation stakeholders are reassessing opportunities in the region.
Minister Fuad Hussein welcomed Aegean’s decision, noting that the reintroduction of direct air links signals growing confidence in Iraq’s improving security and international position. He added that Greece and Iraq are also exploring broader cooperation in agriculture, investment, and tourism, while recent high-level European visits demonstrate “the stability the country is experiencing” and its “strengthening international role.”
Infrastructure Investments Support Iraq’s Reopening
In a parallel development, Iraq has awarded a $764 million contract to a consortium led by Corporacion America Airport and Amwaj International to overhaul and expand Baghdad International Airport. The project aims to modernize facilities, raise capacity, and support the nation’s broader strategy to position itself as a revived hub for regional travel.
Aegean’s new Athens–Baghdad route is expected to play a key role in accelerating this momentum, offering travelers improved access and reinforcing Iraq’s reintegration into regional and global networks.