Iraqi Airways halts Baghdad-Beirut flights over Syria airspace as Al-Assad rule declared ‘over’

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Airways announced Sunday the temporary suspension of flights between Baghdad and Beirut due to security developments in Syrian airspace.

“In the interest of the safety of our valued passengers on scheduled flights to Lebanon and in compliance with international aviation security and safety standards, the Iraqi Airways company has decided to temporarily halt flights between Baghdad and Beirut,” the airline said in a statement.

Syria’s capital erupted in celebration Sunday morning as rebel groups, led by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, declared the fall of President Bashar al-Assad after entering Damascus in a lightning offensive that began on Nov. 27, capturing key cities like Aleppo, Hama, and Homs; extraordinary scenes included rebel fighters announcing Assad’s ouster on state television, with reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claiming the longtime leader had fled.

The suspension also includes complimentary flights previously organized to assist Lebanese nationals in voluntarily returning to their home country, the statement added. The airline attributed the decision to security concerns in Syrian airspace, which serves as the primary route for these flights.

Following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, thousands of Lebanese refugees who had fled to Iraq are now returning to their homeland. The cessation of hostilities has enabled these families to journey back, despite widespread destruction in southern Lebanon. Iraq has facilitated this process by offering free flights to Beirut and providing essential support during their displacement, including accommodation and healthcare.

Iraqi Airways assured passengers that it is actively monitoring the situation in coordination with relevant authorities and will conduct regular evaluations. Affected passengers are encouraged to contact the airline’s offices for more information about options, including rescheduling flights or obtaining refunds without penalties.

“We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this decision. Our top priority remains the safety of everyone,” the statement read. The airline pledged to resume operations once security conditions in Syrian airspace improve.