Erbil - Etihad Airways, the international carrier based in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, launched its first flight to the Kurdistan Region in Iraq today.

Erbil International Airport hosted a small ceremony to commemorate the inaugural flight. Mr. Anwar Jabali Sabo, Minister of Transportation and Communication, and Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir, Head of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Department of Foreign Relations, welcomed the delegation, which included the Charge d’Affaires of the UAE in Baghdad, Mr. Rashid Al-Mansouri, and a number of Etihad officials, including Mr. Hasan Al-Hamadi, Senior Vice President. Minister of Planning Dr. Ali Sindi and a number of airport officials were also present at the ceremony.

Mr. Sabo welcomed the delegation and congratulated Etihad on this important step. He said, “The security and development in the Kurdistan Region makes this an optimal destination for businesses, and Etihad is most welcome to fly to Erbil.”

Mr. Bakir said, “To our friends in the United Arab Emirates, from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and all the Emirates, and to all of your neighbors in the Gulf, I tell you today that the KRG warmly welcomes your presence in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and you will always be welcome here.” He added, “I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Etihad. This initiative will serve as a bridge to facilitate business opportunities of mutual benefit. In the past our people may have suffered from isolation, but today we are pleased to cooperate with friends and partners from around the world.”

Mr. Al-Hamadi of Etihad expressed his optimism regarding the Erbil-Abu Dhabi route. He said that that the direct flight would open up commercial opportunities and would create a greater link between the two societies, welcoming all those present to visit Abu Dhabi . Mr. Al-Mansouri offered his appreciation for the efforts of Etihad and his hopes for continued cooperation between the UAE and all of Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region.

Flights depart Abu Dhabi at 8:30 am on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and depart Erbil at 11:30 am on the same days.