Iraqi Airways has recently resumed limited evacuation operations using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The airline activated one of its aircraft, MSN 40080, on March 15, to facilitate rescue flights from Cairo and Delhi, utilizing the Arar airport in northern Saudi Arabia as an entry point. This action comes amid significant airspace restrictions in the region, affecting many of its fleet members.
The airline's fleet comprises 42 aircraft, with only three outside Iraq, due to regional conflicts and airspace closures. Iraqi airspace remains closed to civilian flights in Iraq, Iran, Bahrain, and Kuwait, complicating flight operations and restricting aircraft movement. Despite these challenges, Iraqi Airways continues to operate some rescue flights for stranded passengers, primarily from regional locations impacted by the ongoing conflicts.
Historically, Iraqi Airways has operated a range of aircraft, including Boeing and Bombardier models, serving destinations across Iraq, the Middle East, and beyond. The current restrictions have limited its ability to deploy its full fleet, with several aircraft parked or stranded. Efforts to reactivate and reallocate flights highlight the ongoing impact of regional instability on commercial and rescue operations in the region.
