Iraq to expand aircraft fleet to 53 by 2027, eyes end to EU airspace ban

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Transport announced plans to expand the national aircraft fleet to 53 by the end of 2027, with the delivery of 14 new Airbus and Boeing planes expected over the next two years.

Ministry spokesperson Maytham Al-Safi said Iraq currently operates 39 aircraft, including six fully operational planes, 16 that have been refurbished, and 17 newly delivered under contracts with European and American manufacturers.

“We will receive 14 additional Airbus and Boeing aircraft in the next two years,” Al-Safi told the state-run newspaper in comments monitored by 964media. “The total number of aircraft will reach 53 by the end of 2027.”

Al-Safi said the ministry has developed a strategy to expand Iraq’s active flight network, using the updated fleet — which includes Airbus, Boeing, MAX, and Dreamliner models — to serve destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and international hubs such as Cairo, Kuala Lumpur, China, and India.

He also said Iraq is close to resolving the long-standing ban on Iraqi Airways operating in European airspace. “The issue is about to be closed,” he said. “We have completed a large part of the agreements with the European side and are adhering to international aviation standards in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority.”

Iraq has been on the European Commission’s air safety list since 2015, which bans all airlines registered in the country from flying in EU airspace due to noncompliance with safety regulations.

In a recent statement, Iraqi Airways said it continues to work toward lifting the ban in coordination with national authorities and international aviation bodies. “Iraq has been on the EU ban list since 2015. This list includes all airlines registered in Iraq, not just Iraqi Airways,” the airline said.