Prime minister meets with a European Union representative during a discussion on aviation ties at the government headquarters in Baghdad.
Al-Sudani urges EU to lift flight ban, calls restriction obstacle to trade and tourism
BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Thursday urged the European Union to lift the longstanding flight ban on Iraqi carriers, saying the restriction “stands in the way of developing tourism and trade,” during a meeting in Baghdad with EU Ambassador to Iraq Klemens Semtner.
Iraqi officials have been working to meet European aviation safety requirements to lift EU restriction on Iraqi Airways. On July 9, 2025, the Ministry of Transport said 75% of the Corrective IOSA Program had been completed as part of efforts to restore flights to Europe. The ministry said Iraqi Airways was “moving steadily toward regaining its presence in European skies” and described the progress as a major step in restoring international confidence.
Al-Sudani’s office said the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties through partnership agreements and cooperation memorandums, with discussions covering investment, trade, energy, and environmental issues.
The prime minister thanked the EU for its role in monitoring Iraq’s Nov. 11 parliamentary elections, which he said were conducted “smoothly with increased turnout,” adding that the results reflect renewed public trust in Iraq’s political system.
Al-Sudani invited European companies to participate in Iraq’s Development Road project and expand investment partnerships, again stressing the need to end the EU flight ban, which he said continues to hinder economic growth.
Ambassador Semtner congratulated Al-Sudani on the elections and commended the government’s policy of avoiding regional conflicts, as well as its efforts in economic and security reform and water management.
The ministry said improvements go beyond aircraft maintenance and include upgrading operational and administrative systems to meet global aviation standards. A specialized committee was formed to oversee the process, and the government partnered with the International Air Transport Association to secure certifications, including the Corrective IOSA Program and the TCO certificate.
Completed measures include updated operational manuals, a restructured administrative framework, stronger compliance oversight, establishment of an International Operations Control Center, and advanced training programs for pilots and technical staff.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency is currently reviewing the airline’s updated safety file after Iraqi Airways received its IOSA safety audit certificate. The review is expected to conclude by the end of this year or early next year. Officials said a return to European airspace remains within the planned timeline, with each destination subject to market studies assessing demand and the size of Iraqi communities abroad. They described the routes as both economic and humanitarian links intended to support travelers and strengthen the national carrier.