Emirates postpones launch of Baghdad route

"Due to operational reasons, Emirates has temporarily postponed the July 1 Baghdad route launch to sometime later in the year," said the spokesperson. "Emirates will liaise with the affected passengers to ensure alternative travel arrangements are made well in advance. We look forward to announcing confirmed operations to Baghdad in the near future."

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group statement issued in May stated: "Iraq is well on the road to recovery and we are confident that the time is right to commence our operations there. There is a high proportion of traffic heading both in and out of Iraq and we are in the right position to capitalise on this demand."

Baghdad was going to be Emirates’ 103rd international destination and the last one remaining in the Middle East.