ZCZC
BFF-36
POLITICS-AVIATION
Russian airline launches flight to Iraq
MOSCOW, June 20, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Russian airline Red Wings on Wednesday
made its maiden flight to Iraq as commercial services between Moscow and
Baghdad resume following the 2003 Iraqi War.
The Airbus 320 took off at 1.30am Moscow time from the Russian capital’s
Domodedovo airport.
Russian media reported this week that the airline had been given approval
from the Iraqi Transport Ministry to begin one regular flight a week from
Moscow to Baghdad.
Regular commercial flights between the two countries were cut in 2004 when
a US-led coalition overthrew Saddam Hussein’s regime.
Russian and Iraqi authorities have been in negotiations to restart flights
since 2015.
In September last year, Iraqi Airways completed its first flight to Moscow
in 13 years.
Moscow and Baghdad recently strengthened military ties with Iraq
purchasing Russian T-90 battle tanks this month.
BSS/AFP/IJ/1422 hrs