Iraq to London flights resume

Iraqi Airways has operated its first commercial flight from Baghdad to London in 20 years.

Iraqi Airways had planned to launch flights to London on April 16, but was forced to delay when air traffic was disrupted by Iceland's volcanic ash cloud.

From now on, the airline will operate two flights a week between Baghdad and London. Going to London, planes will travel via Malmo in Sweden. Going to Baghdad, the flights will be direct.

Iraq's Minister of Transport, Amir Abdul Jabbar, was one of the 30 passengers on the first flight. Speaking at a news conference shortly before departure, he said: "Iraqi Airways will operate the route Baghdad - London after it was interrupted for around 20 years. This was achieved through the strong efforts of Iraqi Airways and the Iraqi civil airlines authority."

Iraqi airways was grounded during the first Gulf War in 1990 but has recently been able to resume international flights as the political situation in the country stabilises.

The airline currently operates flights to more than 16 countries from Baghdad, Najaf, Sulaimaniyah, Arbil, Mosul and Basra airports.