In a move set to reshape air travel between Europe and Iraq, Greek airline Aegean Airlines will launch the first direct flights from Athens to Baghdad on December 16, 2025. The announcement, made by Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis during an official visit to Baghdad on October 30, signals not only a new chapter in aviation but also a broader thaw in relations and growing confidence in Iraq’s stability on the world stage.
"I think this will substantially boost our people-to-people, economic, but also cultural, ties," Gerapetritis said at a press conference alongside his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, according to the Associated Press. His words echoed a sense of optimism that was palpable throughout the day’s events. For years, major European airlines had steered clear of Baghdad, wary of the security risks that followed the 2003 U.S.-led invasion and the subsequent rise of extremist groups like the Islamic State. Instead, carriers focused their attention on Irbil, the capital of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region in the north, where direct flights from Europe have operated for some time. But Baghdad remained out of reach—until now.
This new route marks the first direct air link between Iraq and any European country, a milestone emphasized by both Greek and Iraqi officials. According to Shafaq News, Gerapetritis described Iraq as a strategic partner, highlighting the nations’ shared history and culture. The two foreign ministers used the occasion to outline ambitious plans for deeper cooperation across trade, education, tourism, agriculture, investment, and water management. The Ancient Civilizations Forum, a platform supported by both countries, was singled out as a key avenue for cultural exchange and heritage protection.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein welcomed the move, calling the Athens-Baghdad air link “an essential step toward restoring economic and social ties.” He stressed that Iraq is keen to expand cooperation, particularly in water management—a pressing issue for the region—and urged more technical exchanges between the two governments. Hussein also noted that the flurry of recent visits from European leaders to Baghdad reflects “the stability the country is experiencing” and “its growing standing on the international stage,” as reported by the Associated Press and other outlets.
It’s a striking turnaround from the dark days following the toppling of Saddam Hussein in 2003. The security vacuum that emerged after the U.S.-led invasion gave way to years of sectarian violence and the rise of armed extremist groups, most notably the so-called Islamic State. For a long time, the prospect of regular commercial flights to Baghdad seemed remote at best. But in recent years, as the Islamic State lost control of its territory in Iraq and neighboring Syria, the security situation has stabilized. This relative calm has encouraged not only airlines but also investors and diplomats to return to the country.
The timing of the new flight route is noteworthy for another reason: it comes just weeks before Iraq is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections on November 11, 2025. Nearly 8,000 candidates—2,248 women and 5,520 men—are set to compete for 329 parliamentary seats. Incumbent Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who came to power in 2022 with the backing of pro-Iran parties, is seeking a rare second term. According to reporting from various sources, al-Sudani has made a concerted effort to balance Iraq’s relationships with both Tehran and Washington, a diplomatic dance that has contributed to the country’s increasing political stability.
As the political landscape shifts, so too does Iraq’s infrastructure. Plans are underway to upgrade Baghdad’s international airport, a move that dovetails with the anticipated influx of passengers from Europe. Iraq has awarded a $764 million contract to rehabilitate, expand, and operate the airport to a global consortium made up of Corporacion America Airport—a Luxembourg-based operator—and Iraqi investment company Amwaj International. The modernization project is seen as crucial for supporting not just the new Athens-Baghdad route, but also for attracting further international carriers and boosting Iraq’s connectivity with the world.
The symbolism of the new air link extends far beyond tourism or business. For many, it represents a tangible sign that Iraq is shaking off its reputation as a conflict zone and re-emerging as a place open to international exchange and investment. “This will substantially boost our people-to-people, economic, but also cultural, ties,” Gerapetritis reiterated, underlining the broader aspirations driving the initiative.
Both ministers also pointed to the Ancient Civilizations Forum as a testament to their countries’ commitment to cultural diplomacy. The forum, which brings together nations with rich historical legacies, serves as a platform for promoting cultural exchange and protecting heritage sites—an area where Iraq, with its wealth of ancient treasures, has much to offer and much to protect.
Still, challenges remain. While the security situation has improved, concerns linger, and the success of the new route will depend on continued stability and effective airport management. The broader regional context—marked by shifting alliances and unresolved tensions—means that progress is never guaranteed. Yet the decision by Aegean Airlines to take this leap is being hailed as a vote of confidence in Iraq’s future.
For travelers, the new flight offers a direct, convenient connection between Europe and the heart of Iraq—a prospect that was unthinkable not long ago. For business leaders and investors, it signals new opportunities in a market that is slowly but surely opening up. And for ordinary Iraqis and Greeks, it’s a chance to renew old ties and forge new ones, whether through tourism, trade, or cultural exchange.
As December 16 approaches, anticipation is building in both Athens and Baghdad. The first direct flight will be more than just a journey across continents; it will be a symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of connection. Whether this route will pave the way for more European carriers to follow remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a clear sign that Iraq’s long-awaited return to the international fold is finally taking off.
