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…
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!