Discover Iraq’s Rich Heritage with New Direct Flights Between Athens and Baghdad

Published on December 18, 2025

Baghdad, Iraq’s capital, has officially rejoined the European aviation map as Aegean Airlines inaugurated its direct flight route between Athens and Baghdad. This marks the end of a 35-year absence of European commercial aviation in the city, highlighting Iraq’s ongoing recovery from years of conflict and isolation. The arrival of Aegean Airlines in Baghdad is not only a significant milestone for the country’s aviation sector but also presents exciting new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange between Iraq and Europe.

The launch of this new direct route between Athens International Airport and Baghdad International Airport provides a more convenient connection between Iraq and Europe, fostering greater international tourism and improved trade relations. The introduction of this service is seen as a major step forward in the recovery of Iraq’s aviation sector, which has been largely disconnected from international travel for decades.

Direct Flights to Baghdad: A Gateway for Tourism

The direct flights between Athens and Baghdad represent an important development for tourism in Iraq. Baghdad, one of the world’s oldest cities, is rich in history, culture, and ancient landmarks. However, due to decades of conflict and instability, Iraq has been largely cut off from international tourism. The return of commercial flights from Europe opens up a wealth of opportunities for travelers eager to experience the country’s heritage, including its renowned museums, historical sites, and cultural festivals.

Baghdad, often known for its role in the Mesopotamian civilization, is home to significant historical sites such as the National Museum of Iraq, which houses one of the most extensive collections of Mesopotamian artifacts. Visitors can also explore the iconic Al-Shaheed Monument, the Abu Hanifa Mosque, and the Ziggurat of Ur, which are just a few of Iraq’s numerous cultural and historical treasures.

In addition to its historical significance, Baghdad offers a vibrant contemporary culture, with bustling markets, restaurants offering traditional Iraqi cuisine, and a rapidly growing arts scene. The new flight route from Athens allows European tourists to easily access the city and its surroundings, helping to reintroduce the Iraqi capital as a potential tourism destination.

Business and Trade Opportunities

In addition to its impact on tourism, the new connection between Athens and Baghdad is expected to facilitate business and trade between Iraq and Europe. Iraq, with its significant oil reserves and growing infrastructure sector, offers numerous opportunities for investment and economic collaboration. The direct flights will make it easier for business travelers from Europe to visit Iraq for conferences, trade missions, and partnership discussions.

Iraq has been working to rebuild its economy and open up more opportunities for international businesses to invest in the country. The re-establishment of air links between Europe and Iraq, particularly to Baghdad, is seen as a vital step in strengthening economic ties and fostering cross-border partnerships.

Rebuilding Iraq’s Aviation Sector

Iraq’s aviation sector has been through many challenges in recent decades, and the arrival of Aegean Airlines is part of the country’s broader efforts to rebuild and modernize its aviation infrastructure. In addition to direct flights from Athens, Iraq has been working to improve its aviation services and facilities to accommodate increasing numbers of international flights.

The launch of Aegean Airlines’ route is also a symbol of Iraq’s return to the global aviation community. Iraq’s Ministry of Transport has emphasized that the new route marks the beginning of a new phase for the country’s aviation sector, as more international airlines are expected to follow Aegean Airlines’ lead and offer direct services to and from Iraq.

In the coming years, Iraq aims to further expand its aviation links with other countries, improving connectivity and facilitating the flow of both tourism and business traffic. This ongoing development will make Iraq more accessible to travelers from across the globe, allowing for increased cultural exchange and collaboration with other nations.

Tourism Growth in the Region

The opening of direct flights between Athens and Baghdad is not only significant for Iraq but also for the broader Middle East and Mediterranean region. Iraq’s historical and cultural importance to the world, combined with its tourism potential, makes it a key area of interest for travelers from both Europe and the Middle East.

The re-establishment of flights to Baghdad also reinforces the broader trend of increased travel connectivity within the region. Other neighboring countries such as Jordan, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates have also seen increasing demand for flights and tourism services in recent years. With Iraq now more accessible through direct flights, the region’s tourism infrastructure and capacity to attract visitors will continue to grow, benefiting local economies and expanding the tourism industry as a whole.

Connecting Iraq to the World

The launch of direct flights from Aegean Airlines is just one example of how international aviation routes are helping connect isolated regions to the broader global community. It opens up new avenues for exploration and travel for people from all corners of the globe, providing them with the chance to experience Iraq’s deep historical roots and rich cultural traditions.

For Iraqi nationals living in Europe, the new route will provide a convenient and efficient way to visit family members and reconnect with their homeland. The flights will also provide more opportunities for diaspora communities in Europe to travel back and forth, strengthening social and cultural ties.

Conclusion

The inaugural direct flight route between Athens and Baghdad is a significant development for both tourism and business in Iraq. It provides a much-needed gateway for European travelers to visit one of the most historically significant regions in the world while offering Iraq a chance to reconnect with the international community. The opening of this route signifies a positive step forward for Iraq’s aviation sector and is expected to pave the way for further air connectivity in the coming years. With more airlines likely to follow Aegean Airlines’ lead, the future looks promising for the tourism and business potential of Baghdad and Iraq as a whole.