Baghdad (People's Daily) -- After more than 40 days of complete suspension amid regional tensions, Iraq has reopened its airspace and rapidly resumed air traffic, reasserting its regional and international connectivity as of April 8.
"Iraqi airspace is fully open, and flight operations have resumed in a gradual yet accelerating manner, in full compliance with international safety standards," said Harith Al-Obaidi, Director of Baghdad International Airport.
He noted that both regional and international airlines have swiftly returned, signaling renewed global confidence in the safety and reliability of Iraq's airspace.
Passengers check in at Baghdad International Airport in Baghdad, Iraq. (Photo: Inas Ibrahim for People's Daily)
At Baghdad International Airport, the return of flights is more than a technical restart -- it marks the beginning of a new chapter of stability, with aircraft once again taking off and landing on a regular basis, restoring Iraq's vital links to global routes.
"Baghdad Airport is 100% secure. We are providing full support and facilitation to airlines and passengers, and the number of daily flights is increasing steadily, reflecting a real and sustainable recovery," Harith Al-Obaidi emphasized.
Mustafa Al-Zaidi, an employee at Iraqi Airways, said the resumption followed comprehensive official assurances given to airlines regarding the complete safety and stability of Iraqi airspace.
Domestic flights have also resumed in an organized, phased manner, reconnecting Baghdad with Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Basra, with plans to gradually increase frequency in the coming weeks.
"Back to normal"
In the departure hall of Baghdad International Airport, a palpable sense of relief and optimism fills the air. Passenger Abeer Mohammed, a student returning to the university in Malaysia, said: "I had been waiting for the war to end and for flights to resume. Returning to the university at this moment means a lot to me. I feel like life is back to normal."
Maytham Al-Safi, spokesperson for the Iraqi Ministry of Transport, said in an interview that Iraq's aviation sector is entering a phase of recovery and gradual restoration of its regional and international standing following the exceptional suspension period linked to recent security developments in the region.
Al-Safi explained that, prior to the crisis, Iraqi airspace was among the most active air corridors in the region, with more than 850 aircraft using it daily, operating flights to and from over 40 countries worldwide. This reflects Iraq’s strategic geographic position as a vital transit hub connecting Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Recent developments have led to the full reopening of Iraqi airspace to international air traffic, with the resumption of normal flight operations and the gradual return of overflight activity, he said.
This reinforces Iraq's position within regional and global aviation networks, according to the spokesperson.
He further noted that Iraqi airports today, including major international airports, are gradually regaining their role as key regional air hubs. This is being supported by strengthened safety and operational procedures, as well as improved technical and administrative readiness in line with international civil aviation standards.
In a strategically significant development, Iraqi Airways has resumed direct flights between Baghdad and Guangzhou, restoring a vital air link with China, he added.
This route underscores the growing momentum in bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, and tourism. It also reflects the broader framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, which continues to enhance connectivity between Asia and the Middle East and strengthen Iraq's integration into regional and global transport networks.