Middle Eastern carrier Bahrain Air is to open services to Iraq, a disclosure which comes just days after Bahrain's Gulf Air confirmed its own Iraqi routes.

Bahrain Air is to begin flights to the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, as well as Najaf.

It indicates that both routes will be available from 28 August. Bahrain Air plans to serve Baghdad twice-weekly and Najaf five times per week.

Gulf Air is to operate a five-times weekly service to Baghdad from next month, and is also opening Najaf and Erbil connections.