Iraqi Airways

Corporate Profile: Iraqi Airways

Founded in 1945, Iraqi Airways is one of the oldest airlines in the Middle East. Headquartered at Baghdad International Airport (BGW), the state-owned carrier is currently in the midst of its most significant transformation since 2003. As of January 2026, the airline is nearing the final stages of a comprehensive “Corrective Plan” designed to restore its global reputation and regain access to European airspace.

2026 Status: The “EU Return” Countdown

• The Lifting of the Ban: After being barred from EU skies in 2015, Iraqi Airways has made “significant progress” in 2025/2026. As of late January 2026, the Ministry of Transport has confirmed it has fulfilled approximately 80% of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) requirements, a critical step toward obtaining EASA Third Country Operator (TCO) certification.
• Mosul and Nasiriyah Rebirth: A major 2026 milestone is the full operational launch of the rebuilt Mosul International Airport (OSM). Iraqi Airways officially launched regular domestic links between Baghdad and Mosul in late 2025, marking the first commercial service to the city in over a decade.
• Digital Transformation: By early 2026, the airline has overhauled its online reservation system and mobile app, introducing streamlined booking and post-purchase assistance to meet modern international standards.

Fleet Modernization: The 53-Aircraft Goal

Under the leadership of Director General Manaf Abdul-Moneim, the airline is aggressively expanding its fleet with Western-built aircraft:

1. The Dreamliner Era: The airline now operates a growing fleet of Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, utilized for its premium long-haul routes to the Far East and (pending approval) European gateways like London and Frankfurt.
2. Airbus A220-300: These ultra-modern jets have become the “silent workhorses” for high-frequency regional routes to Amman, Beirut, and Istanbul.
3. Boeing 737 MAX 8: In late 2025 and early 2026, the airline received its latest batches of the 737 MAX, significantly reducing fuel costs and improving reliability across the Middle East.
4. 2027 Outlook: The airline is on track to reach a total fleet size of 53 aircraft by 2027, a record for the carrier.

Network and Hub Strategy

• The Beijing Link: Following its successful 2024/2025 relaunch, the Baghdad–Beijing route has become one of the airline’s most profitable, catering to the massive increase in Chinese investment in Iraq’s energy sector.
• New 2025/2026 Destinations: The airline has recently added Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Sharjah (UAE), and Dhaka (Bangladesh) to its scheduled network to serve the large expatriate community and growing business ties.
• Domestic Hubs: While Baghdad remains the heart, the airline has strengthened its presence in Basra (BSR) and Erbil (EBL), positioning them as secondary international gateways.

Key Data