Travelers to and from Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport have much to cheer about as it was announced two past routes will soon reconnect with the famed Indian city. Most notable is that of Iraqi Airways resuming flights after a two decade absence. Also, Virgin Atlantic will return to Mumbai from 29 October 2012.

Direct flights between India and Iraq were stopped during the first Gulf War in 1990-91. Twenty two years later, new service is scheduled to begin from 18 March. Iraqi Airways’ first flight from Baghdad and the holy city of Najaf will arrive in Mumbai on Sunday, 18th March 2012 at 1:30 AM. The Baghdad/Najaf-Mumbai flight will be twice a week, operating on Wednesdays and Sundays, arriving in Mumbai at 1:30 AM and departing at 2:30 AM. A Boeing 737–700 with a seating configuration of 125 in economy class and 12 in business will service the route.

Direct flights between London Heathrow and Mumbai are set to resume via Virgin Atlantic after a 3 year absence. The London-Mumbai route ended in May 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Daily flights will be aboard a new A330 aircraft offering 33 Upper Class, 48 Premium Economy and 185 Economy class seats. In addition to European tourists, the added route via London will link USA tourists (through Virgin Atlantic flights from Boston, New York and Washington) with India.