Now, fly directly to Baghdad from Hyderabad airport

Hyderabad: GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL) inaugurated the maiden direct flight service from Hyderabad to Baghdad on Sunday. Fly Baghdad's maiden flight IF 462 took off at 3.17 p.m from Hyderabad International Airport after senior officials from GHIAL and other stakeholders flagged it off amidst much fanfare.

The flight will operate between Hyderabad and Baghdad twice a week—Sunday and Tuesday. The Fly Baghdad Flight IF 461 will arrive at GMR Hyderabad International Airport at 9.55 a.m on Tuesday. The return flight IF 462 will depart from Hyderabad at 10.55 a.m the same day. On Sunday, flight IF 461 will arrive at Hyderabad airport at 11.55 a.m and flight IF 462 will depart at 12.55 p.m.

The Baghdad flight service is a testimony to the growing demand for medical tourism in Hyderabad. Flights to India from Baghdad are popular among Iraqis seeking medical treatment. The data released by the Union tourism ministry shows medical tourists visiting India from Iraq comprised over 10% and is gradually growing.

Healthcare and pilgrimage

As the country's healthcare capital in India, Hyderabad has been the favourite destination among international tourists. With world-class medical facilities at an affordable price, Hyderabad will be the next growth driver in medical tourism in the country. With the growing demand, GMR Hyderabad International airport recently inaugurated the Hyderabad-Dhaka flight service.

The capital city of Iraq, Baghdad, and Karbala have significant historical and religious significance among Muslims. Thousands of Indians travel to the cities of Baghdad and Karbala every year. The holy city of Karbala is one of the popular pilgrimage destinations and is situated near Baghdad. Millions of Muslims across the world visit the site twice a year. Other religious interests in Iraq include the shrines of Abdul Qadir Gilani in Baghdad and Imam Ali in Najaf, to name a few. Indians also throng the ruins of Babylonia on the River Tigris.