The arrival signaled the international community’s trust in the improving stability in Iraq and ushered in “a new phase of recovery for Iraq’s aviation sector,” the ministry said in a statement.

During a visit to Iraq in October, Greek foreign minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said: "I was very happy to announce the first flight from Athens to Baghdad on the 16th of December of a Greek air carrier. I think this will substantially boost our people-to-people economic, but also cultural ties. I'm very proud that Greece will be the first country to have a direct air flight to Baghdad from an European Union country."

European airlines have not operated direct flights to Baghdad International Airport for security reasons since the early 1990s

The Baghdad-Athens-Baghdad route will operate two flights a week with the possibility of adding more depending on demand, according to Iraq's transport ministry.