Iraq, Jordan to increase number of flights between the two countries

Erbil (Kurdistan 24) – The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with their Jordanian counterpart to increase the number of flights between the two countries.

With ten flights per week between the two countries, Baghdad and Amman are seeking to increase that number as talks continue to strengthen bilateral economic ties.

“We look forward to further cooperation and coordination in several areas regarding civil aviation and air operations between Iraq and Jordan,” said Ali Khalil Ibrahim, Director General of the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority.

Ibrahim’s words came during the signing ceremony with Jordanian Civil Aviation CEO Haytham Mesto in Amman, an Iraqi Transport Ministry statement said on Tuesday.

He added that the memorandum “included the exchange of experiences and capabilities” to consolidate a “strong working relationship in terms of increasing the number of flights.”

They also hope to improve coordination on “technical aspects [of aviation], flight safety,” and others.

Baghdad’s efforts in matters of aviation come within the framework of the expanding services provided to would-be passengers as they travel to and from different international airports, the Civil Aviation Authority said.

Since 2015, Iraq’s state-owned airline, Iraqi Airways, has been prevented from flying over any European Union airspace for its non-compliance with public safety standards.

In mid-November 2018, Iraqi President Barham Salih visited Jordan and held extensive meetings with officials, including the Jordanian King. Salih discussed commercial and economic ties as well as the cooperation of the two states on matters of national and regional security.

Two months later, King Abdullah II came to Iraq and met with Salih and Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi.

The two countries are reportedly working on implementing joint-commercial ventures, including the Basra-Aqaba oil pipeline and the establishment of an industrial zone on the border between the two countries.

According to an AFP report from Jan. 14, Iraq has discussed with Amman plans to import part of its electricity needs from Jordan. The two countries also seek to rehabilitate the highway linking Amman and Baghdad.

Editing by Nadia Riva