Iraq Announces Reopening of Its Airspace to International Air Traffic

Iraq 11:16 AM - 2025-06-24

Iraqi airways plane.

The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) announced on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, the reopening of Iraqi airspace to international air traffic, following a thorough assessment of the security situation and extensive coordination with relevant national and international bodies.

Bangin Rekani, President of the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority, stated that the decision was made in light of improved security conditions and Iraq’s enhanced capability to uphold the highest standards of safety and air traffic control for all overflying aircraft.

He further emphasised that reopening Iraqi airspace will capitalise on Iraq’s strategic geographic location as a vital air corridor connecting East and West, thereby reducing flight times and fuel consumption for global airlines.

The statement confirmed that air navigation services will be conducted in full compliance with the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with an unwavering commitment to safety protocols and continuous coordination with the regional air navigation centre and aviation authorities of neighbouring states.

Iraq had previously closed it air space due to regional tensions and the war between Iran and Israel.

Kurdistan Region Airports to Resume Flights Following 12-Day Closure

The airports in the Kurdistan Region, which have been closed for the past 12 days due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, will resume operations today.

Dana Mohammed, Head of Media and Communications at Sulaymaniyah International Airport, told PUKMEDIA: "The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority has informed us that the airspace is now open for flights. According to the official notice sent by the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority to the airports, Iraqi airspace was reopened at 10:30 a.m. today, 24 June 2025."

The reopening marks a significant step towards restoring normal air traffic operations in the region after the temporary suspension caused by regional hostilities.

Over 1,200 Flights Canceled in Kurdistan Region Due to Iran-Israel War

As the conflict between Iran and Israel enters its eleventh day, both the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Federal Government of Iraq continue to implement precautionary measures to ensure the safety of air travel. The ongoing hostilities have led to the cancellation of 1,283 flights at Sulaymaniyah and Erbil International Airports.

Dilan Rashid, spokesperson for the KRG Ministry of Transport and Communications, announced on Monday, 23 June 2025, that "following the closure of Iraqi airspace due to the conflict between Israel and Iran, a total of 1,283 flights have been canceled over the past ten days." She specified that 1,184 round-trip flights were canceled at Erbil International Airport, while 99 flights were canceled at Sulaymaniyah International Airport.

The closure of airspace across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region—prompted by missile and drone attacks between Iran and Israel—has effectively grounded most flights, with the exception of limited operations at Basra International Airport.



PUKMEDIA