Direct flight operations between Iraq and Pakistan have officially resumed after remaining suspended for 86 days, providing relief to passengers and restoring air connectivity between the two countries.
According to aviation officials, Iraqi Airways resumed its Baghdad–Karachi service with flight IA-409, which landed at Jinnah International Airport at approximately 4:53am. Following the arrival, the return flight IA-410 departed for Baghdad at around 7:14am, marking the formal restoration of the route after nearly three months of suspension.
Officials stated that the flight operations had remained halted due to operational and administrative reasons, affecting passengers traveling between the two countries for business, religious visits, family reunions, and other purposes. The restoration of direct flights is expected to significantly improve convenience for travelers who previously had to rely on connecting routes and longer travel schedules.
The resumed service is also expected to strengthen bilateral connectivity and support trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan and Iraq. Aviation authorities and airline officials expressed optimism that the reopening of the route would help increase passenger movement and improve overall travel cooperation between the two nations.
Sources further indicated that authorities are considering expanding operations in the future, with the possibility of introducing direct flights to Islamabad as part of broader plans to enhance air links and accommodate growing passenger demand.
Passengers arriving on the first resumed flight welcomed the restoration of the service, describing it as a major convenience after months of disruption. Airport officials also confirmed that all operational arrangements were completed smoothly to facilitate the resumption of flights and ensure efficient handling of passengers at both departure and arrival points.
