AMMAN, Jordan, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- A statement purportedly signed by Iraq's Baath party Wednesday warned Jordan not to operate flights to Baghdad airport or be prepared to bear the consequences.
The statement distributed by e-mail said Royal Wings, a Jordanian airliner affiliated to Jordan's flag carrier Royal Jordanian, decided to resume regular flights between Amman and Baghdad upon the request of the U.S. occupation forces.
"We warn against the consequences Arab airliners will bear by operating flights to Saddam's International Airport. ... Their planes will be legitimate military targets," the statement said.
Royal Wings decided to resume flights to Baghdad this week after suspending them for two months when a courier plane operated by the shipper DHL was hit by a missile while taking off from Baghdad.
Royal Jordanian deputy director general Ghassan Ali told UPI that using Baghdad airport entailed certain risks but Royal Wings decided to operate flights to the Iraqi capital after being assured by the Iraqi authorities of safety and security measures.
He said no regular flights will be operated but the trips will be unscheduled and mainly aimed at transporting humanitarian workers and businessmen wishing to travel to Baghdad.
