diff --git a/tools/python/xen/xend/XendDomainInfo.py b/tools/python/xen/xend/XendDomainInfo.py
index d6b6637b06..f26323cb94 100644
--- a/tools/python/xen/xend/XendDomainInfo.py
+++ b/tools/python/xen/xend/XendDomainInfo.py
@@ -354,6 +354,10 @@ class XendDomainInfo:
         self.storeDom("store/ring-ref", ref)
 
 
+    def getBackendFlags(self):
+        return self.backend_flags
+
+
     def closeStoreChannel(self):
         """Close the store channel, if any.  Nothrow guarantee."""
         
diff --git a/tools/python/xen/xend/image.py b/tools/python/xen/xend/image.py
index 4fe222bf88..6d7f363ffd 100644
--- a/tools/python/xen/xend/image.py
+++ b/tools/python/xen/xend/image.py
@@ -188,7 +188,7 @@ class ImageHandler:
             return
 
         # Set params and call buildDomain().
-        self.flags = self.vm.backend_flags
+        self.flags = self.vm.getBackendFlags()
 
         if not os.path.isfile(self.kernel):
             raise VmError('Kernel image does not exist: %s' % self.kernel)