Baghdad, Qatar Airways inaugurated commercial flight service to Baghdad, the second destination in Iraq. The Doha-based airline is operating four-flights-a-week non-stop on the Baghdad route. This launch two weeks after Qatar Airways commenced flights, to the northern Iraqi city of Erbil.Both the Erbil and Baghdad passenger services are being operated with an Airbus A320 in a two-class configuration of 12 seats in business and 132 in economy class
Akbar Al Baker Qatar Airways' chief executive officer said, “Baghdad had long been on our list of destinations which we identified as being a key part of growing our Middle East network.
“During Iraq’s current period of reform and development, with industries resurging and many new companies expanding operations to Iraq, we felt this was the time to move into the country.
“With our new passenger flights to both Baghdad and Erbil, together with our new dedicated freighter service to Erbil starting next month, Qatar Airways is offering excellent capacity to and from the country.
“With growing business ties between Iraq and the rest of the world, it is a natural next step for the airline to expand further within the region, providing opportunities for greater economic, cultural and educational exchanges through this greater air access.”
Upon arrival in Baghdad, Fathi Al Shehab Qatar Airways' senior vice-president GCC, Levant, Iran, Iraq and Indian Sub continent added, “Baghdad is a route which will help facilitate easy movement for those travelling from around the world on business to the country, with excellent connectivity via Doha.
“In addition, we are offering Iraqis living abroad with a more convenient way to return to Baghdad and neighbouring towns and cities. We provide our passengers with an exceptional award-winning onboard product and great connections to reach their families and homes.
“We have been working closely with the travel trade and corporations in Iraq and indeed across our international network to promote our new Iraq services.
“Qatar Airways has enjoyed a busy year so far with Baghdad becoming the airline’s sixth new route start-up since January.”
Doha – Baghdad, effective 7 June 2012, four weekly flights
| QR442 | Doha | 13:40 | Baghdad | 15:55 | Mondays and Thursdays |
| QR443 | Baghdad | 16:55 | Doha | 18:55 | Mondays and Thursdays |
| QR440 | Doha | 09:05 | Baghdad | 11:20 | Saturdays and Sundays |
| QR441 | Baghdad | 12:20 | Doha | 14:20 | Saturdays and Sundays |