Saudi Arabia resumes flights to Iraq, official welcome held

The Saudi Arabian Airlines has launched the first flight to Baghdad in 27 years on Monday night.

The first flight between Saudi Arabia and Iraq departed from King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in the Red Sea city of Jeddah carrying Director General of the airline, Saleh bin Nasser al Jasser, Iraqi Ambassador to the Kingdom Roshdi Mahmoud al Ani along with a number of officials and reporters. The flight arrived at Baghdad International Airport two hours later. 

Upon the arrival of the Saudi budget carrier “flynas” in Baghdad, an official welcome ceremony was held.

Addressing the ceremony, Head of Iraqi High Commission for Hajj Khaled al Attiyah said that resuming Saudi flights boosts relations between the two brotherly countries and facilitates the transportation of Iraqi pilgrims to Mecca.

He voiced hope over continuing moves to enhance and develop relations with the aim of serving both countries and their peoples as well as the Arab and Islamic nation.

For his side, Al Jasser said that there is a plan to launch more flights to other destinations in Iraq.

The resumption of flights comes in line with growing ties between the two brotherly countries, he added.

Flights between Iraq and Saudi Arabia were suspended in August 1990 after former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein ordered his troops into neighboring Kuwait.

Earlier this month Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al Abadi and Saudi Arabia's King Salman held the first meeting of the joint Saudi-Iraqi coordination council, which is aimed at upgrading strategic ties.

Source: MENA