I flew Iraqi Airways, an airline few Americans have experienced and is banned in the EU. Here were the 4 biggest surprises.
I was surprised to get a full hot meal in economy. But the seats were worn and dirty and I worried about the airline's safety.
As an American college student, I embarked on a journey to fly on Iraq's national carrier, Iraqi Airways. This airline, largely unknown to Americans and banned in the EU due to safety concerns, provided a unique travel experience. Upon boarding, I was surprised by the airline's relatively modern fleet. My flight from Baghdad to Dubai was on a brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, one of two such planes recently added to the carrier's fleet.
Despite its appearance, the interior of the plane was unimpressive, with stained seats and a lack of cleanliness. However, this did not deter me from being pleasantly surprised by the airline's hot meal service. Unlike many US carriers that offer minimal food options on short flights, Iraqi Airways provided a hot tray of chicken and rice, accompanied by a salad and water.
Surrounded by friendly staff and other travelers, I also found moments of connection, such as engaging in conversation with fellow passengers and navigating the airport with a sense of curiosity and openness. While Iraq faces significant aviation safety challenges and geopolitical tensions, my experience flying Iraqi Airways was a memorable and eye-opening adventure.
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