An Iraqi Airways aircraft takes off during a scheduled flight
Iraq to keep airspace open during elections, confirming normal airport operations
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Transport said Saturday that the country’s airspace remains open throughout the election period, with all airports operating on schedule and flight services continuing without interruption.
“All airports across the country are functioning normally and regularly, and air navigation is ongoing without any disruption,” ministry spokesperson Maytham Al-Safi told the Iraqi News Agency. “Iraqi Airways continues to operate its scheduled domestic and international flights during and after the elections smoothly and under the supervision of Transport Minister Razzaq Muhaibis Al-Saadawi.”
Al-Safi said the ministry has not received any directive from relevant authorities regarding airspace closures or flight restrictions. He added that Iraq’s aviation sector operates under “the highest international standards of air safety and security,” supervised by the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority, which applies and monitors International Civil Aviation Organization systems and technical updates.
The ministry said maintaining normal air traffic during the elections reflects stability in Iraq’s security and administrative environment. It added that uninterrupted operations demonstrate “the high readiness of Iraq’s airport infrastructure and the efficiency of its air navigation staff, who ensure smooth operations and flight safety through modern control systems.”
Al-Safi said the ministry remains committed to global safety and quality standards. “Iraq today proves it is confidently and competently present in the skies, with a government vision focused on strengthening regional and international air connectivity and expanding the Iraqi Airways network,” he said.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani also confirmed during a meeting of the Higher Security Committee for Securing the Elections on Saturday that no curfew would be imposed on election day. He instructed security forces to maintain smooth public movement and respond quickly to misinformation, saying open roads reflect “confidence in the security situation and the government’s commitment to allowing citizens to vote freely.”
The electoral commission said more than 800 international observers will monitor the vote. About 1.3 million security personnel and over 26,000 displaced voters are set to cast their ballots in Sunday’s special voting ahead of the Nov. 11 parliamentary elections.