Friday, 20 February 2015 17:38

Baghdad (AIN) – Iraqi Airways, the national flag carrier of Iraq, is to introduce direct flights from Manchester to the Middle East for the first time.

On March 15 the airline will begin services to Sulaymaniyah, a city in Southern Kurdistan. Three days later the airline’s new service leaves Manchester for Ebril, the largest city and capital of the Kurdistan Region.

Iraqi Airways will operate the route with a brand new Boeing 737-800 with capacity for 162 passengers.

Founded in 1945, Iraqi Airways is one of the oldest Middle Eastern carriers offering a mix of domestic and international services.

Ken O’Toole, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, said: “We are pleased to welcome Iraqi Airways to Manchester Airport and further increase the options and choice for passengers travelling to and from the Middle East.”

Saad Al-Khafaji, General Manager UK, Iraqi Airways said: “We are looking forward to working with everyone at Manchester Airport to offer passengers the opportunity to fly directly to Iraq.”

“With a strong Kurdish community across the region in the North and West Midlands, we are sure the route will prove to be popular,” he said.  /End/