Two Bahraini airlines are allegedly ordering their foreign staff to work on flights to Iraq, despite governments warning their citizens to avoid the country.

Gulf Air and Bahrain Air are due to commence flights in the next two weeks, but the US, the UK and Australia have all warned their people to stay away.

'From September 1, Iraq will become the newest destination on the Gulf Air network,' said a Gulf Air spokeswoman.

'As such, the same policies and procedures will be applied as on our other 42 destinations.'

Both airlines are planning flights to Baghdad and Najaf, but the UK specifically tells its citizens to avoid Baghdad and warns against all but essential travel to Najaf.

'Although there has been a decrease in the level of violence throughout Iraq, the situation remains highly dangerous with a continuing high threat of terrorism throughout the country,' the British Foreign Office says on its website.

'Even those working with dedicated protection teams should exercise extreme caution.'

Meanwhile, the US State Department recommends all but essential travel to Iraq. 'Numerous insurgent groups remain active throughout Iraq,' it says on its website.

The US State Department also reiterates the dangers of using civilian aircraft and road travel within Iraq.

Meanwhile, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises its citizens against travelling to Iraq due to the extremely dangerous security situation.

'Australians who decide to stay should ensure they have appropriate personal security protection measures in place,' it says on its website.

'Terrorist attacks can occur at any time, anywhere in Iraq. We continue to receive reporting indicating that terrorists and anti-government forces are in the advanced stages of planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

'Rocket and mortar attacks, including in the International Zone in Baghdad, occur without warning,' it says.

Staff terrified
 

One Gulf Air employee yesterday admitted they were 'terrified' by the prospect of flying to Iraq and said no amount of danger money would make them feel safe.

Most airline staff were reluctant to discuss the new route, saying they had been warned against speaking to the media.

'Of course we are terrified to fly into Baghdad because of all the bombs and the deaths going on - it's a war zone down there,' said the crewmember on condition of anonymity.

'I still don't know the exact details of the flights, but I don't want any sort of allowances - I am demanding the flights to be cancelled for everyone's safety.' – TradeArabia News Service