Iraq extends airspace closure again by 72 hours

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority on Saturday extended the country’s airspace closure for another 72 hours, keeping it shut to all incoming, outgoing and transit flights until noon Tuesday.

The authority cited “the continued assessment of the security situation and regional developments,” adding that the measure would be reviewed in line with new developments and that airlines would be notified of any updates.

Iraq has kept its airspace closed since last Saturday following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian missile and drone launches across the region. The closure was previously extended for 24 hours, then 48 hours, before Saturday’s 72-hour extension.