KARACHI: Direct flights between Iraq and Pakistan have resumed after an 86-day suspension following tensions and military conflict involving the United States, Iran, and Israel in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to aviation sources, Iraq Airways\u2019 first direct flight from Baghdad landed in Karachi early this morning, marking the restoration of air connectivity between the two countries after nearly three months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flight IA-409 arrived at Karachi\u2019s Jinnah International Airport at 4:53am carrying passengers from Baghdad. Shortly afterward, the return flight, IA-410, departed from Karachi to Baghdad at 7:14am.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The resumption of flights is being seen as an important development for travelers, pilgrims, and business communities who were affected by the suspension of services during the regional conflict and heightened security concerns in Middle Eastern airspace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Officials said the last direct flight on this route had arrived in Karachi from Baghdad on February 28. Meanwhile, Flight IA-409 had last landed in Karachi on February 15 before operations were halted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sources further revealed that flights scheduled for May 2 and May 3 had also been canceled due to operational and security concerns linked to the unstable regional situation at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The suspension of flights came after escalating tensions in the Middle East following US and Israeli military actions against Iran, which had disrupted regional air traffic and forced several airlines to review or temporarily suspend operations on sensitive routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aviation experts say airlines operating in the region were compelled to adopt precautionary measures because of fears regarding airspace safety, missile activity, and military escalation. The disruption particularly affected routes connecting South Asia with Middle Eastern countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The restoration of direct flights is expected to provide significant relief to thousands of Pakistani pilgrims and travelers visiting holy sites in Iraq, especially in cities such as Baghdad, Najaf, and Karbala. Many pilgrims had been forced to use indirect routes or face delays during the suspension period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Travel operators and airline officials expressed optimism that the reopening of the route would help normalize passenger movement and strengthen travel and trade links between Pakistan and Iraq.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In another important development, Iraq Airways is also expected to begin direct flight operations between Baghdad and Islamabad in the near future. Officials believe the additional route will improve connectivity for travelers from northern regions of Pakistan and further expand bilateral travel opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The revival of air operations reflects improving regional conditions and renewed confidence in aviation safety across the Middle East. Authorities from both countries are reportedly coordinating to ensure smooth operations and maintain security standards for future flights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pakistan and Iraq maintain close religious, diplomatic, and people-to-people ties, with thousands of Pakistanis traveling to Iraq annually for pilgrimage and business purposes. The restoration of direct flights is therefore considered an important step toward facilitating travel and strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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