Flights to Iraq

THE first flight by a European carrier in 20 years landed in Baghdad yesterday, marking an important step for a country looking to post-war reconstruction following the ravages of the 2003 US-led invasion.

The Airbus A319 operated by France’s Aigle Azur airline from Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport touched down at 6am, carrying on board France’s Trade Minister Anne-Marie Idrac and 111 passengers, officials said.