After nearly two decades, Iraqi Airways will restart its flights to India, starting with Mumbai.
Direct flights between India and Iraq were stopped during the first Gulf War in 1990-91.
The first flight from Baghdad and the holy city of Najaf will arrive in Mumbai on 18th March, 2012, a statement from Iraqi Airlines said.
The flight to Mumbai will be twice a week. The Baghdad-Najaf-Mumbai flight will arrive at 01:30 am at Mumbai and depart at 02:30 am every Wednesday and Sunday.
The flight to Mumbai will be operated by Boeing 737–700 with a seating configuration of 125 in economy class and 12 in business.
The airline has also got permission from India’s aviation authorities for two flights a week from Delhi.
India and Iraq have many historical links. Many Indian families have connections with Iraq, either through marriage or through trade or migration for employment.
Many Indians used to work in Iraq prior to the war, but returned home at the time of the invasion. The country is currently trying to rebuild its commercial and diplomatic relations with the world.
“The resumption of flight between India and Iraq will help to increase trade, business and pilgrimage,” Iraqi Airways hoped.
