On Sunday, 23 February 2025, Erbil International Airport witnessed the departure of its inaugural direct flight to Athens. The launch was marked by the presence of Nikolaos Stergioulas, Greek Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, and Ahmed Hoshyar, Director of Erbil International Airport.

Consul General Stergioulas and Mr. Hoshyar emphasised the strategic significance of Aegean Airlines' entry into the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. They noted that this development is expected to enhance commercial, tourism and trade ties between the Kurdistan Region, the broader Middle East, and Europe, an advancement that could positively impact the region's economic, political, and social landscape.

At present, two direct flights operate weekly between Erbil and Athens, with plans to increase frequency in the future to better serve the travel needs of the citizens of the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and Greece.