Iraq to reopen airspace following Iran-Israel ceasefire, but Israeli warnings cast doubt

BAGHDAD — Iraq will fully reopen its airspace to civilian traffic following a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, the country’s Civil Aviation Authority announced Tuesday, citing improved security conditions and coordination with international aviation authorities.

However, the announcement came just before Israel vowed to respond to what it alleges are Iranian violations of the ceasefire, raising uncertainty about whether the reopening will proceed as planned. Iran has denied violating the ceasefire.

“The decision came in light of improved security conditions and confirmation of Iraq’s ability to provide the highest levels of safety and air traffic monitoring for transiting aircraft,” said Bangen Rekani, head of the Civil Aviation Authority and a federal cabinet minister, in comments carried by the Iraqi News Agency.

Rekani added that the move will help reduce flight times and fuel costs for international airlines while positioning Iraq as “a strategic air corridor linking East and West.”

The authority said Iraq’s aviation operations will comply fully with International Civil Aviation Organization standards, including safety procedures and continued coordination with regional air traffic centers and neighboring states.

Iraq shut down its airspace on June 13, following Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Iran’s retaliatory missile launches. The closure was part of a broader regional shutdown that also included Iran and several surrounding countries. Flight tracking data showed a near-total absence of aircraft across the region. Limited flights from Basra are continuing today as has been the case in recent days.

Hours before Iraq’s reopening announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire had taken effect at 7 a.m. Baghdad time (0400 GMT) on Tuesday, writing on Truth Social: “THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!”