Gulf Air has announced that final preparations are underway to resume flights into Baghdad.
"Following the de-escalation of hostilities in Iraq and the urgent humanitarian and redevelopment challenges now facing the country, we would like to start flights as soon as possible," said James Hogan, president and chief executive of Gulf Air. "The introduction of regular operations will be crucial in the short term to provide immediate humanitarian aid possibly in the form of food and medicines." "Bilateral agreements previously in place between Gulf Air and Iraq are still valid. It is however still necessary to negotiate with the authorities to obtain clearances and finalise flight schedules into Baghdad," explained Fareed Al Alawi, vice-president networks.