Iraq grounds all flights, closes airspace amid regional turmoil

The Iraqi Ministry of Transport has announced the immediate suspension of all flight operations across the country and the temporary closure of Iraqi airspace, in response to growing regional security concerns.

The decision, aimed at protecting the safety of travelers and civil aviation, affects all flights arriving, departing, or transiting through Iraqi airspace, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iraqi media.

In a statement issued by the ministry’s media office, the government said: "Due to regional tensions, Iraqi air navigation and airspace have been suspended until further notice, in order to safeguard civil aviation within Iraqi airspace."

The ministry further explained that the General Company for Air Navigation Services has begun a phased clearance of Iraqi airspace.

"The General Company for Air Navigation Services has commenced the gradual evacuation of Iraqi airspace of arriving, departing, and transiting aircraft, to maintain the safety of passengers traveling to Iraqi airports as well as those whose flights cross over our airspace," the statement read.

By Naila Huseynova