Dubai: Oman Air will enter the Iraqi market in September with the launch of direct flights to Najaf from its Muscat hub, the state-owned carrier announced on Wednesday.

Four weekly flights to Najaf in central Iraq start on September 15 and will be operated with the narrow body Boeing 737-800 jet, according to an airline statement.

Oman Air said the route would “further help to strengthen political, economic and social links between Oman and Iraq”.