Qatar Airways back in Baghdad

Qatar Airways has completed its first flight to Baghdad since Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait 22 years ago

Yesterday’s flight took place just one month after launching services to Erbil, capital of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region. There will now be four flights per week between Doha and both Baghdad and Najaf.

Analyst Saj Ahmad said: “Qatar Airways expansion into Iraq gives it not just another route on its ever-growing map, but it also puts pressure on the other GCC airlines serving the country. As the only 5-star rated airline flying into Iraq, Qatar Airways has achieved a masterstroke of operating such a dense regional network without the need for a dedicated low cost airline.

“With their other services to the key Shia city of Najaf and also the revenue-rich northern city of Erbil, Qatar is making the most of the void in Iraq, especially as Iraqi Airways is still many months away from gaining market traction on its own turf - and critically, Qatar Airways competitive fares and expanding route network out of Doha complements Baghdad-based travellers - and that connection will only get stronger as Qatar Airways gears up to move to the New Doha International Airport at the end of this year.

“It's a great move by the airline and one has to wonder whether other cities like Basra and Kirkuk will also be served by them in due course. Iraq is an untapped market and it's no surprise Qatar Airways has made a move here."