Direct Pakistan–Iraq flights resume after 85-day suspension

Direct flights between Pakistan and Iraq have resumed after being suspended for 85 days due to the Iran–Israel conflict, marking the restoration of air connectivity between Karachi and Baghdad.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the first resumed flight, IA-409, arrived in Karachi from Baghdad at 4:53am on Monday. The return flight, IA-410, then departed from Karachi to Baghdad at 7:15am the same morning, restoring regular operations between the two cities.

Officials confirmed that the route had remained suspended since March 1 following regional tensions triggered by the Iran–US war, which disrupted several air corridors across the Middle East and led airlines to halt or reroute services for safety reasons. The resumption of flights is expected to ease travel for passengers, particularly pilgrims who frequently use the Karachi–Baghdad route. Aviation authorities said operations would continue as per schedule, subject to regional security conditions.

CAA also noted that the restoration of services came after gradual stabilisation in regional airspace, allowing carriers to resume previously suspended routes.

With Ashura approaching in June, airline officials also indicated that passenger demand is likely to increase in the coming weeks as travel restrictions ease and confidence in regional flight operations improves.