Etihad Airways has confirmed that it is to launch flights between Abu Dhabi and Baghdad on 26 April 2010, subject to government and regulatory approvals.

Etihad will operate five return services per week to Baghdad, operated by two-class Airbus A320 aircraft, and will expand its operation with two additional A320 return services to a second Iraq destination – Erbil – from 1 June 2010, also subject to government and regulatory approvals.

“We are committed to building and strengthening ties in our region and we are pleased that Etihad will be the first airline in the UAE to fly to Iraq,” said James Hogan, Etihad Airways Chief Executive. “We expect to see strong demand on these routes, particularly from government and business travellers, as well as people from Iraq visiting family and friends around the world.”

Etihad launched a cargo operation to Baghdad in September 2009, and it recently commenced additional cargo flights to Erbil. Read the full story