Baghdad, Iraq – The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority announced on Sunday its decision to extend the closure of Iraqi airspace to all incoming, outgoing, and transit flights for an additional 72 hours.
This measure is a precaution in light of escalating military tensions in the region.
Decision details and timeline
The Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported, citing an official statement from the authority, that the closure,
which has already been implemented, will continue from noon today, Sunday, until noon next Wednesday.
The statement emphasized that this measure is a “temporary precautionary step”
aimed at ensuring the safety of civil aviation and protecting passengers.
This comes in light of the rapidly evolving security situation in the surrounding region
and the accompanying security risks that could affect air traffic.
Continuous monitoring and security assessment
The statement clarified that the Civil Aviation Authority continues its close monitoring of the security situation
and ongoing assessment of regional developments.
Moreover, it noted that the extension decision is subject to periodic review.
It will be reassessed, potentially amended, or terminated based on evolving circumstances.
The Authority urged all international and domestic airlines to adhere to this directive to ensure compliance with international aviation safety standards in Iraqi airspace.
A regional context fraught with escalation
The Iraqi decision comes at a time when the region is experiencing a state of high military alert.
There is an exchange of military operations casting a shadow over air and land navigation routes.
This situation is prompting many neighboring countries to reconsider their airspace security protocols.
Through this extension, Iraq seeks to prevent its airspace from becoming
a transit route or a potential target for any regional conflicts. These conflicts could erupt at any moment.
