Iraq extends airspace closure for 72 hours in fourth consecutive suspension

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority extended the country’s airspace closure for 72 hours on Wednesday, covering all incoming, outgoing and transit flights until noon Saturday.

The authority said the decision was based on a continued assessment of the security situation and regional developments, describing the measure as temporary and subject to review.

Iraq has now kept its airspace closed continuously since Saturday, when it was first shut following coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian missile and drone launches across the region. The closure was extended for 24 hours on Sunday, 48 hours on Monday, and now 72 hours on Wednesday.