Qatar Airways Cargo has resumed cargo operations to Iraq with the launch of dedicated freighter and passenger-linked belly-hold services connecting Doha and Baghdad, further strengthening regional air freight connectivity across the Middle East.
The airline confirmed that a weekly Boeing 777 freighter service to Baghdad International Airport (BGW) commenced on 7 May, restoring dedicated main-deck cargo capacity on the route. In parallel, Qatar Airways resumed twice-weekly passenger services to Baghdad effective 10 May, adding additional belly-hold freight capacity between Iraq and Qatar.
With the combined return of freighter and passenger operations, Qatar Airways Cargo said it will offer more than 115 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity from Doha to Baghdad from 10 May onwards, supporting growing trade and logistics demand between Iraq and the wider global network served through Doha.
The resumption forms part of the airline’s broader cargo network expansion strategy, with Qatar Airways Cargo increasing its freighter destinations to more than 60 worldwide from 1 May. The carrier’s passenger and belly-hold network is also scheduled to expand beyond 150 destinations from 16 June, reinforcing Doha’s role as a major international cargo hub.
Industry observers note that the restored Baghdad operations provide critical connectivity for general cargo, pharmaceuticals, perishables, express shipments and industrial freight moving into and out of Iraq. The deployment of the Boeing 777 freighter also offers substantial uplift capability for oversized and time-sensitive cargo that cannot typically move via passenger aircraft belly capacity alone.
The relaunch of Iraq services comes amid continued recovery and rebuilding of regional aviation and logistics networks, as Middle Eastern carriers progressively restore suspended routes and expand cargo frequencies to meet increasing trade demand.
Qatar Airways Cargo confirmed that all cargo products are once again available for booking through its standard commercial channels, including the airline’s Digital Lounge platform and regional cargo sales teams. Cargo sales are currently open for the Doha-to-Baghdad sector, with the airline encouraging customers with shipment-specific enquiries to contact local cargo representatives for operational support and booking coordination.
The latest addition further consolidates Qatar Airways Cargo’s presence across strategically important Middle Eastern trade lanes, leveraging Doha’s Hamad International Airport as a major transshipment gateway linking Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas.
The carrier has continued investing heavily in fleet, digitalisation and specialised cargo solutions in recent years, particularly in pharmaceutical logistics, live animal transport, perishables and e-commerce freight, sectors that are expected to drive sustained growth across regional air cargo markets.
