Baghdad, Iraq – The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority announced on Tuesday the extension of the closure of Iraqi airspace to all incoming, outgoing, and transit flights for an additional 72 hours. This measure comes amidst the ongoing security tensions in the region and is a precautionary step aimed at ensuring the safety of air navigation and protecting passengers.
Details of the decision
According to a statement issued by the authority, the extension will begin at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 (09:00 UTC) and will continue until 12:00 PM on Friday, April 3, 2026. The authority confirmed in its statement that this decision is based on the ongoing assessment of the security situation and the rapidly evolving regional circumstances. It also indicated that the closure is a temporary precautionary measure subject to review and evaluation in light of any new security developments.
Precautionary measures amid security uncertainty
This extension reflects official concern about the repercussions of the military escalation in the Middle East on aviation security. The statement indicated that the authority is in constant contact with local and international airlines and relevant parties. It also affirmed that it will immediately notify them of any subsequent updates regarding airspace conditions.
This decision comes at a time of escalating tensions in the region. The Iraqi government is closely monitoring regional developments to ensure that the country’s security and airspace sovereignty are not affected. The relevant authorities emphasize that reopening the airspace depends primarily on the stabilization of the situation and ensuring the absence of any risks to the safety of aircraft transiting or landing at Iraqi airports. It is worth noting that closing Iraqi airspace is a sovereign and precautionary measure implemented in extreme emergencies to protect the civil aviation sector. This aligns with the government’s policy of shielding vital infrastructure from the risks of regional conflicts, which have recently intensified.
