Qatar Airways Restarts Baghdad Cargo Hub with 127 Weekly Tons

Key Details Qatar Airways Cargo is resuming operations to Baghdad this week after a five-week suspension caused by regional airspace closures. A weekly Boeing 777 freighter will launch May 7 from Doha, while twice-weekly passenger flights carrying cargo begin May 10. Combined capacity will exceed 127 tons per week in each direction. Why It Matters The restart demonstrates how Middle Eastern carriers are rebuilding routes after geopolitical disruptions. Qatar Airways, the world's largest non-express cargo airline, now operates to over 60 freighter destinations and plans to reach 150+ passenger destinations by mid-June. Aircraft continue using designated flight corridors to manage regional security risks. Network Expansion The carrier has also signed a ground handling agreement with Worldwide Flight Services at Liège Airport in Belgium, expanding European operations for its 777 freighter fleet. Liège has shown strong momentum with 14% cargo growth last year and double-digit growth continuing into 2024. This infrastructure investment positions Qatar Airways to capture increased demand across Europe and Asia-US routes as supply chain recovery accelerates. With 30 Boeing 777 cargo jets in its fleet, Qatar Airways continues strengthening its competitive position in global air freight markets.