BAGHDAD-ISTANBUL FLIGHTS START UP

UNCLAS ANKARA 004783

SIPDIS

USDOC FOR 4212/ITA/MAC/CPD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR BEXP TU IZ
SUBJECT: BAGHDAD-ISTANBUL FLIGHTS START UP



1. AFTER A FOURTEEN YEAR BREAK IN SERVICE, STARTING WITH
THE SANCTIONS REGIME IMPOSED IN 1991, IN EARLY AUGUST THE
GOT APPROVED AND INAUGURATED TWICE WEEKLY SERVICE BETWEEN
BAGHDAD AND ISTANBUL ON IRAQI AIRWAYS. THE AIRLINE OFFERS
THE ROUND-TRIP FLIGHT ON MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS. ISTANBUL
HAS DIRECT SERVICE TO NEW YORK AND CHICAGO ON TURKISH
AIRLINES.


2. THE GOT CIVIL AVIATION OFFICE TOLD US THAT IT PLANNED TO
EMPLOY SPECIAL SECURITY MEASURES LIKE THOSE EMPLOYED FOR
FLIGHTS FROM AFGHANISTAN. ARRIVING AIRCRAFT ARE REQUIRED TO
PARK IN A REMOVED AREA AND PASSENGERS GO THROUGH DETAILED
SCREENING BEFORE ENTERING THE COUNTRY.

McEldowney