Kuwait says Iraqi Airways plans first flights to Gulf state since Saddam invasion

KUWAIT CITY – Kuwait's civil aviation chief says Iraqi Airways will resume commercial flights to the Gulf nation for the first time since the invasion of Saddam Hussein's forces more than 22 years ago.

The decision follows approval by Kuwait's parliament last month for Baghdad to pay $500 million in compensation to Kuwait's national carrier for damage caused during the 1990-1 occupation. The accord seeks to end a long-running dispute over reparations for Kuwait Airways.

Kuwait's civil aviation director, Fawaz al-Farah, says the flights will resume Saturday. The official Kuwait News Agency said Tuesday that plans call for a four-flight-a-week schedule.

Although the airline dispute appears settled, other disputes over war reparations remain. U.S.-led forces drove Iraqi troops from Kuwait in early 1991.