By John Moses
Iraq has reopened its airspace to international flights following a security reassessment prompted by the recent escalation between Israel and Iran, the country’s Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) confirmed on Tuesday.
The move comes after a temporary closure of Iraqi airspace on 13 June, when tensions in the region intensified in the wake of military actions between Tehran and Tel Aviv.
According to a statement released by the ICAA, the decision to resume air traffic was taken after “a comprehensive evaluation of the security environment” and in close coordination with both domestic and international aviation stakeholders.
ICAA President Bangin Rekani said the reopening reflects the country’s enhanced ability to manage and safeguard its airspace, ensuring the safety of aircraft traversing its skies.
“Restoring air traffic not only reinforces Iraq’s strategic geographical importance as a bridge between East and West but also offers operational benefits to global carriers by reducing flight durations and fuel consumption,” Rekani said.
The move is expected to streamline commercial aviation routes across the Middle East and relieve pressure on neighbouring air corridors that had seen increased traffic due to the airspace closure.
