A flight operated by Greece’s Aegean Airlines touched down in Baghdad on Tuesday, the first European passenger plane to land in the Iraqi capital in 35 years.

The milestone marks Iraq’s return “as a safe and reliable aviation hub after years of challenges”, the Transport Ministry said.

The government plans to further “develop the civil aviation sector, enhance openness to the world, and position Iraqi airspace as a bridge for global connectivity,” the statement added.

Aegean Airlines plans to initially operate two flights per week between Athens and Baghdad.

The number of connections could increase depending on demand.

Oman Air also intends to offer flights from Baghdad to destinations in Europe in the future.

Following the invasion of neighbouring Kuwait in 1990, the UN Security Council imposed an economic embargo and comprehensive sanctions against Iraq.

This led to a near-complete halt of international flights to the country.

With the overthrow of dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003, many sanctions were lifted, and the country gradually reconnected to international air traffic.

With the overthrow of dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003, many sanctions were lifted, and the country gradually reconnected to international air traffic.

SOURCE: DPA AND AGENCIES