Iraq-Pakistan direct flights resume after 86-day suspension

Iraqi Airways flight IA-409 from Baghdad landed in Karachi at 4:53am, officially restoring direct air connectivity between the two countries after nearly three months. The return flight, IA-410, later departed from Karachi to Baghdad at 7:14am, marking the full resumption of operations on the route.

According to aviation sources, the last direct flight from Baghdad to Karachi arrived on February 28, while Iraqi Airways flight IA-409 last operated to Karachi on February 15 before services were suspended. Officials said flights scheduled for May 2 and May 3 were also cancelled due to the uncertain regional security situation and air travel concerns in the Middle East.

Iraqi Airways has now announced plans to further improve travel connections by launching direct flights between Baghdad and Islamabad in the near future. Authorities believe the restoration of direct flights will provide relief to travelers, pilgrims, business passengers, and overseas Pakistanis who regularly travel between the two countries.

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The resumed operations are also expected to strengthen tourism, religious travel, and economic ties between Iraq and Pakistan. Passengers welcomed the restart of flights, saying the suspension had created major travel difficulties and increased travel costs because of indirect routes.

Analysts say the resumption of direct air links reflects improving regional stability and growing confidence in international travel operations. They also believe additional direct routes between Pakistan and Iraq could boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people connections in the coming months.