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Qatar Airways Resumes Passenger Flights to Iraq From May 10, 2026

Qatar Airways announced the resumption of passenger flights to Baghdad, Basra, and Erbil in Iraq starting May 10, 2026. The airline will also reintroduce freighter services to Baghdad from May 7 to support cargo flows. This is part of Qatar Airways' phased network restoration, targeting over 150 destinations by June 16. Meanwhile, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority has fully resumed normal air navigation operations after lifting temporary measures.

Key Points: Qatar Airways Returns to Iraq With Flights From May 10

  • Passenger flights to Baghdad, Basra, and Erbil resume May 10, 2026
  • Freighter services to Baghdad restart May 7
  • Network expansion to over 150 destinations by June 16
  • UAE lifts temporary airspace restrictions
2 min read

Qatar Airways announces return of passenger flights to Iraq from May 10

Qatar Airways announces passenger flight resumption to Baghdad, Basra, and Erbil from May 10, 2026, expanding its Middle East network.

"Qatar Airways is advancing the phased restoration of its global network, with its flight schedule expanding from 16 June 2026 to more than 150 destinations across six continents. - Qatar Airways"

Doha, May 2

Qatar Airways said in a statement on Saturday that it continues to reinstate its network across the Middle East. It announced the return of passenger flights to Baghdad, Basra, and Erbil in Iraq, starting on 10 May 2026.

In the statement shared on X, it further noted that in parallel, Qatar Airways will reintroduce freighter services to Baghdad from 7 May 2026, further supporting cargo flows. The freighter services, currently on sale, are one-way from Doha (DOH) to Baghdad (BGW).

These resumptions follow the airline's recent announcements confirming the return of daily passenger services to Dubai (DXB) and Sharjah (SHJ), and to Bahrain (BAH), Damascus (DAM) and Kozhikode (CCJ), providing passengers with greater flexibility and enhanced connectivity across the region and beyond.

The statement underlined how Qatar Airways is advancing the phased restoration of its global network, with its flight schedule expanding from 16 June 2026 to more than 150 destinations across six continents.

Qatar Airways also advised passengers to regularly check its official website or app, and ensure their contact details are correct and updated.

In the statement it noted that flight schedules are subject to change or cancellation due to operational, regulatory, safety, or other circumstances beyond our control.

Meanwhile earlier today, Emirates News Agency (WAM) said that the General Civil Aviation Authority has announced the full resumption of normal air navigation operations within UAE airspace and the lifting of temporary precautionary measures.

The decision was taken after a comprehensive evaluation of operational and security conditions and in coordination with relevant authorities. Continuous real-time monitoring remains in place to ensure the highest levels of aviation safety.

The Authority expressed its appreciation for the cooperation of passengers and airlines throughout the precautionary period and confirmed the readiness of its technical and operational teams to respond to any emerging developments.

The public is advised to continue obtaining information from official sources.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As someone who has family in the Gulf, this is welcome news. The more routes they open, the better for us back home. But I hope Qatar Airways keeps safety as top priority, especially given the situation in Iraq. Flights to Kozhikode are also a big plus for Kerala folks like us! 🛫
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James A
I understand the commercial logic, but resuming flights to Iraq feels premature given the ongoing security concerns there. The UAE's lifting of precautions is one thing, but Baghdad and Basra are not Dubai. I hope Qatar Airways has robust contingency plans for passenger safety.
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Arjun K
Finally some positive news for connectivity! Many Indian expats in Iraq working on oil and infrastructure projects will benefit from direct flights. Less transit time through Dubai always helps. But 150 destinations by June? That's ambitious—let's see if they can sustain it. 🛬
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Sarah B
I appreciate Qatar Airways expanding its network, but I'm skeptical about the demand for Iraq routes. Most people I know avoid travel there due to insurance and visa issues. Hope the airline has done proper market research. The UAE's full resumption is more reassuring for routine travel.
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Vikram M
Great move! With the Middle East slowly getting back to normal, this will boost trade and travel for India too. We export a lot to Iraq—pharma, textiles, engineering goods. Freighter services from Doha to Baghdad make perfect sense for our businesses. 🚚📦
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