Air carriers in Turkey and Greece are expanding direct services to Baghdad, with multiple route announcements made in October and November 2025 that strengthen the Iraqi capital’s international connectivity.
AJet and Pegasus Airlines are launching new links from Ankara in November, while Aegean Airlines will introduce the first direct route operated by a European Union carrier from Athens to Baghdad in December.
The developments follow official statements from the airlines and government sources, including Aegean’s announcement on 30 October that it will begin Athens–Baghdad flights on 16 December 2025. AJet inaugurated its Ankara–Baghdad service on 3 November with three weekly flights, and Pegasus is preparing to follow with twice-weekly operations from 15 November. The announcements arrive as Iraq advances a major airport-modernisation programme in Baghdad backed by a $764 million investment contract.
Rapid expansion of Ankara–Baghdad links
AJet, the Turkish low-cost subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, launched its direct Ankara–Baghdad service on 3 November with three flights per week from Esenboğa Airport. The return legs operate on alternating days, offering a combined six weekly movements between the capitals. The service reflects rising demand between Turkey and Iraq, supported by the carrier’s strategy to extend its Middle Eastern footprint.
Pegasus Airlines also plans to add an Ankara–Baghdad route, scheduled to begin on 15 November with two weekly flights using Airbus A320 aircraft. The move adds competitive pressure to the corridor, giving Baghdad travelers multiple low-cost options from Turkey’s capital. The dual launch underscores Turkey’s growing role as one of Iraq’s most active aviation partners, particularly in short- and mid-haul regional operations.
Aegean Airlines enters the Baghdad market
Aegean Airlines confirmed on 30 October that it will launch a direct Athens–Baghdad route on 16 December, marking the first scheduled service operated by an EU carrier to Baghdad in years. The announcement followed bilateral discussions between Greece and Iraq, during which Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said, “I think this will substantially boost our people-to-people, economic, but also cultural, ties.”
The route is notable because European carriers have historically concentrated services on airports in Iraq’s Kurdistan region due to risk and regulatory considerations. Aegean’s entry into Baghdad indicates shifting conditions in the commercial and diplomatic environment, with Greece positioning itself as an early mover in the European market.
The Athens–Baghdad connection is expected to support business travel, official delegations and regional trade links while adding a new gateway for passengers connecting through Aegean’s network. The carrier has not yet announced final frequencies or aircraft type, but officials have framed the route as part of a broader effort to deepen cooperation across tourism, agriculture and investment sectors.
The announcements coincide with Iraq’s push to modernise Baghdad International Airport through a consortium led by Corporación América Airports, which was awarded a $764 million development contract in late October. The project is designed to expand capacity, enhance terminal infrastructure and improve operational standards, elements likely to support further route development in the years ahead.
Industry analysts note that the Baghdad market has gradually diversified, with at least 17 airlines serving the airport as of November 2025. While the majority remain regional and Middle Eastern carriers, the arrival of Aegean introduces the prospect of wider European engagement as airport upgrades progress and security perceptions evolve.
The new flights also arrive amid broader competition among Middle Eastern airports to capture transfer traffic. Ankara’s Esenboğa Airport has been increasing its role as a secondary Turkish hub, giving AJet and Pegasus strategic incentives to expand international links such as the Baghdad service. Combined with Aegean’s entry, Baghdad stands to gain improved access to Europe and to regional centres through multiple one-stop connections.
For Iraq, the new routes represent a step toward restoring pre-2014 connectivity levels, when several international airlines operated more frequent services to the capital. Although many carriers maintained caution in recent years, recent investment activity and growing regional demand have begun shifting the outlook.
While additional carriers have not yet announced new Baghdad services for the fourth quarter of 2025, aviation data indicates rising interest in the market as airlines assess the near-term impacts of infrastructure development and competitive positioning. The combined launches from Turkey and Greece mark one of the most significant clusters of new route activity Baghdad has recorded in several years, strengthening its role in regional air travel networks.
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