Airspace closure threatens Iraq’s religious tourism economy, adviser to PM warns

BAGHDAD — Iraq could face daily economic losses of up to $10 million if air travel disruptions persist and religious tourism declines, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, financial adviser to the prime minister, said in remarks to the Iraqi News Agency.

“The tourism sector, especially religious tourism in Iraq, occupies a leading position,” Salih said. “Unofficial estimates indicate that religious tourism alone generates between $5 million and $10 million per day for Iraq during peak seasons.”

Religious tourism plays a critical role in Iraq’s economy, particularly during major Shia Muslim observances that draw millions of pilgrims annually. Key pilgrimage destinations include the holy cities of Najaf, Karbala, and Samarra, with large crowds gathering for events such as Ashura and Arbaeen.

Salih warned that ongoing disruptions to air travel could lead to “direct daily losses ranging from $3 million to $5 million at least, not to mention the indirect effects on tourism work chains, such as hotels, restaurants, transportation, artisans, and others.”

The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority suspended all flights on Friday following intensified missile and drone activity linked to the conflict between Israel and Iran. Since then, the country’s airspace has remained closed, with limited exceptions for repatriation flights operating through Basra International Airport to bring stranded Iraqi nationals home.

Mazhar Salih’s statement to Iraqi News Agency:

The tourism sector, especially religious tourism in Iraq, occupies a leading position in both the archaeological and religious arenas, and drives the chains of tourism-related work.

Unofficial estimates indicate that religious tourism alone generates between 5 to 10 million dollars per day for Iraq during peak seasons.

Any suspension in air traffic or a 50 percent decline in visitor numbers could lead to direct daily losses ranging from 3 to 5 million dollars at least, not to mention the indirect effects on tourism work chains, such as hotels, restaurants, transportation, artisans, and others.

Calling on the relevant official entities to intensify international reassurance messages that the situation in Iraq is stable, especially in tourist cities, and that security in airports and tourist areas and cities is at a high level of stability, calm, and safety.

There is a need of launching intensive and reassuring media campaigns in this regard, which requires proactive diplomacy and well-studied and urgent reassurance messages without delay.