Maybe I need my head checked, but I’m really wanting to take a flight on Iraqi Airways through Baghdad, and I’d love some feedback. Let me explain…
In this post:
Iraqi Airways runs a fascinating operation
As an aviation geek, I can’t help but be intrigued by Iraqi Airways. It’s one of the oldest airlines in the Middle East, and it has quite the varied fleet. In addition to a bunch of “classic” planes, the airline has a surprisingly modern fleet, including new Boeing 787s, Boeing 737 MAXs, and Airbus A220s.
Those 787s largely serve long haul destinations in China and Malaysia, while the Airbus A220s are… already parked long term (I assume due to engine issues?!).
Anyway, the airline has quite the interesting network, and I can’t help but be curious what the passenger experience is actually like, between the 787s and 737 MAXs (since flying the grounded A220s doesn’t seem realistic).
Researching Iraqi Airways itineraries through Baghdad
I’ve been playing around with some itineraries on Iraqi Airways’ website, because I can’t help but be intrigued by taking a routing on the airline through Baghdad. I’m trying to find the combination of the best business class fare plus the best connection time, since Iraqi Airways’ network doesn’t seem very optimized for connections beyond Iraq (I’m not sure why!). 😉
For example, you can fly from Dubai (DXB) or Istanbul (IST) to Guangzhou (CAN) or Kuala Lumpur (KUL) via Baghdad (BGW). The best one-way business class fare I’ve been able to find is just under $2,000, but that includes a nearly day-long layover in Baghdad.
Meanwhile an itinerary with a more reasonable layover in Baghdad costs quite a bit more, though I’m not sure that’s intentional, rather than just being a function of the city pairs.
So, that brings me to my question… have any OMAAT readers flown Iraqi Airways, and/or connected through Baghdad? Or for that matter, what’s it like spending a night in Baghdad? I generally try not to be an idiot, but also try not to live based on fear (well, other than haunted hotels), so I’m trying to figure out where this falls on the safety scale. Like, I assume Baghdad isn’t Mogadishu, but…
Bottom line
Iraqi Airways has quite the modern fleet, and it’s an airline you don’t hear much about. I’d love to fly with Iraqi Airways, and have been looking at itineraries through Baghdad. In particular, Kuala Lumpur is on my list of places to return to, and taking Iraqi Airways there sounds like quite the fun journey…
If anyone has thoughts on flying with Iraqi Airways, connecting in Baghdad, spending a night in Baghdad, etc., I’d love to hear it! And if anyone can find any better business class pricing on the airline that involves long haul flights, please let me know!
Serious Consideration: before venturing ‘Off-piste’ Ben, check out your travel insurance for limitations.
I know several "extreme travelers" who have flown them and all said it was completely unremarkable. Please go for it - would love an actual review.
If you contact a local travel agency, I am sure they can arrange a sightseeing for you for a long layover. Venturing out alone might not be the best of ideas.
A friend of mine here in Finland is going on a group tour to Iraq/Baghdad this fall. A lady in her late sixties. She is careful in assessing security situations, and if she's going, I'd say you can go, too.
When I was in...
If you contact a local travel agency, I am sure they can arrange a sightseeing for you for a long layover. Venturing out alone might not be the best of ideas.
A friend of mine here in Finland is going on a group tour to Iraq/Baghdad this fall. A lady in her late sixties. She is careful in assessing security situations, and if she's going, I'd say you can go, too.
When I was in Kuwait a few years ago, I noticed Basra would have been a relatively short drive away from Kuwait City, but going there would have had me lose my ESTA privileges, so I did not go. The people I talked to about it all said it would be safe, including a taxi driver who had been many times and would have been willing to take me.
Simon Wilson was in Iraq within the last 2 years. Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Syria as well!
youtube.com/watch?v=PpMUIra8wtQ&pp=ygUUc2ltb24gd2lsc29uIGJhZ2hkYWQ%3D
Baghdad and Iraq as well is quite safe actually. You might be surprised but there's a Venture Capital market in Iraq - and we are considering investing in them, which will certainly include a due diligence trip there!
Baghdad is safer than the typical US city at this point. Happy to share details about the couple of days I spent there, including wandering through markets on my own at night. [email protected]
The Economist just had an interesting piece on Baghdad as the world's latest Boomtown. Apparently it is becoming quite the city with a massive population increase over the years, cultural growth, and a scene to rival other Middle Eastern cities. Seems like the perfect time to visit.
Absolutely 100% please do this!
My family has done this flight a few times, no impact to their global entry or pre-check. Iraq US relation has been pretty good and they’ve been welcoming of US visitors the past decade. It would make a fascinating blog post to do the day there and experience their hotels/ lounges.
I spent 10 days in Iraq a couple of years ago, starting in Baghdad and going south into Kuwait. Incredible time with the most generous and hospitable people. Visa on arrival was very easy, and I think they introduced eVisa now.
Baghdad is safe and has interesting sights. Quite enjoyable to go around for a day. People will welcome you and probably be interested in what you're doing there. You probably won't encounter many...
I spent 10 days in Iraq a couple of years ago, starting in Baghdad and going south into Kuwait. Incredible time with the most generous and hospitable people. Visa on arrival was very easy, and I think they introduced eVisa now.
Baghdad is safe and has interesting sights. Quite enjoyable to go around for a day. People will welcome you and probably be interested in what you're doing there. You probably won't encounter many touts and pushy people, except maybe for the airport taxi rank. Baghdad airport is fine, nothing exciting but acceptable for a connection. Feel free to get in touch if you need more info!
Would you use your German passport and fly as a German citizen on this one?
As much as safety is a concern, the bureaucratic ramifications need to be at least considered. Would you lose US Trusted Traveler status? What else would happen? Iraq isn’t the kind of place Americans go for fun. With the stroke of a pen, our dictat- or, excuse me, President, could summarily invalidate your citizenship, seize all your assets, even criminalize homosexuality.
I went to Iraq very shortly before my last Global Entry renewal. I was approved for renewal and definitely declared my travels honestly (including Iraq, Iran, Somalia, and more) so I think this concern is exaggerated.