Aegean Airlines to Launch Historic Direct Flights Between Athens and Baghdad

Historic Air Link Established

Aegean Airlines, Greece's national flag carrier, is set to inaugurate direct flights from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Baghdad International Airport (BGW) on December 16, 2025. This development marks a significant milestone, as Aegean Airlines will become the first European airline to offer direct connections to the Iraqi capital in several years. The announcement was made by Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis during an official visit to Baghdad on October 30, 2025.

The initiative is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening the economic and cultural bonds between Greece and Iraq, fostering new opportunities for travel and business between Europe and the Middle East.

Diplomatic Endorsement and Bilateral Cooperation

The launch of the new route received strong diplomatic backing during discussions between Foreign Minister Gerapetritis and his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein. Minister Gerapetritis emphasized that the flights would 'substantially boost our people-to-people, economic, but also cultural, ties.' Iraqi Foreign Minister Hussein welcomed the move, highlighting ongoing discussions between the two nations on enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including:

• Agriculture
• Investment
• Tourism

Hussein also noted that recent visits by European leaders to Iraq underscore the country's increasing stability and its growing standing on the international stage.

Reflecting Iraq's Evolving Landscape

For many years, major European airlines had avoided direct flights to Baghdad primarily due to security concerns following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion and subsequent periods of instability. However, the security situation in Iraq has significantly stabilized, encouraging renewed international engagement. This new route by Aegean Airlines is seen as a vote of confidence in Iraq's future and its efforts to re-establish itself as a key hub in the Middle East.

Aegean Airlines currently operates flights to Erbil, the capital of Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region, but the new Baghdad service expands its presence in the Iraqi market. Furthermore, plans are underway to upgrade Baghdad International Airport, with a $764 million contract awarded to a global consortium for its rehabilitation, expansion, and operation.

Future Outlook

The direct air connection is anticipated to facilitate easier movement of people and goods, thereby supporting economic growth and cultural understanding. It also reinforces Athens' role as a strategic transit hub connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The resumption of direct flights is viewed as a strong signal of renewed trust and cooperation, marking a new era for both aviation and diplomacy between Greece and Iraq.