Qatar Airways has announced that it will resume its cargo service to Baghdad, Iraq, this week. The airline's cargo division will reintroduce a weekly Boeing 777 freighter service to the Iraqi capital from Doha on May 7. This move comes after the U.S. and Israel attack on Iran led to the temporary closure of regional airspace and airports.
The resumption of passenger and freighter services will provide much-needed connectivity for the region.
Qatar Airways Cargo has spent the past five weeks restoring its freighter network, with most aircraft continuing to use designated flight corridors to avoid rocket risks.
With the resumption of service, Qatar Airways Cargo will offer a combined cargo capacity of more than 127 tons per week in each direction. This increase is expected to benefit the region's economy and trade.
The airline has a fleet of 30 Boeing 777 cargo jets, making it the largest non-express cargo airline in the world.
This expansion will enable Qatar Airways Cargo to serve more destinations, including over 60 freighter destinations as of May 1.
In related news, Qatar Airways Cargo has signed a contract with Worldwide Flight Services to provide ground handling for its 777 freighter aircraft and shipments at Liège Airport in Belgium.
Liège Airport saw strong cargo growth last year, with tonnage rising 14% to 1.45 million tons.
The airport's upward trend continued in the first quarter, with a 15.6% year-over-year boost in volumes and a 7% increase in aircraft movements.
FreightWaves/American Shipper will continue to provide updates on this story as more information becomes available.
DHL Forwarding is also expanding its Asia-US air cargo capacity in June, which may impact the region's air freight market.
The resumption of passenger and freighter services will provide much-needed connectivity for the region.
