Bader then noted that “300 flights arrive and depart Iraq weekly, a number that has recently increased. Iraq receives fixed amounts for each flight’s maintenance. We feel that this number is still low, but we’re working on enhancing our capacities.”
“Every day, 500 planes use Iraqi airspace,” Bader added. “We receive $375 for each flight. Many companies are asking for permission to enter Iraqi airspace, given that the country constitutes a perfect connecting point.”
Iraqi Airlines is planning on opening to new markets in the region. The regional director of Iraqi Airlines for Egypt and North Africa, Qayssar Hachimi, said that the cooperation between the Iraqi Airlines and its Egypt counterpart has “perfectly come into effect.” Hachimi, however, did not reveal details.
Moreover, a few days ago Qatar Airways announced that it will launch scheduled flights to Basra and Sulaymaniyah this summer.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar al-Baker said, “After years of restricted air access for foreign airlines in many parts of Iraq, Qatar Airways has been working with the authorities to open up services. We were glad to have expanded our operations in such a short period of time and to do our bit in the country’s reconstruction efforts.”
“Qatar Airways is offering new travel options to the people of Iraq and for those involved in the reconstruction efforts of the country,” he added.
Flights to Basra are due to begin on June 3, with those to Sulaymaniyah starting on Aug. 20.
Omar al-Shaher is a contributor to Al-Monitor’s Iraq Pulse. His writing has appeared in a wide range of publications including France’s LeMonde, the Iraqi Alesbuyia magazine, Egypt’s Al-Ahaly and the Elaph website. He previously worked for Al-Mada covering political and security affairs and as a correspondent for the Kuwaiti Awan newspaper in Baghdad.
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