Iraq extends airspace closure for sixth consecutive time

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority announced Friday that the country’s airspace will remain closed to all arriving, departing and transit flights for another 72 hours, calling the move a temporary precaution.

In a statement, the authority said the closure will take effect at noon Friday and remain in place until noon Monday.

“The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority announces the extension of the closure of Iraqi airspace to all arriving, departing and transit aircraft for a period of (72) hours starting from 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026 (09:00 UTC) until 12:00 p.m. on Monday as a temporary precautionary measure,” the statement said.

“The decision comes based on the continuous assessment of the security situation and developments in the regional conditions, and it will be reassessed according to developments,” the statement said.

It added that airlines and relevant authorities would be informed of any updates.

Iraq first closed its airspace on Feb. 28 following coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent missile and drone launches across the region. Projectiles targeting sites near Erbil International Airport were intercepted, and debris from one caused a residential fire in Erbil’s Minara neighborhood.

Since then, Iraqi authorities have repeatedly prolonged the suspension of flights. The closure was first extended for 24 hours on March 1, followed by a 48-hour extension on March 2 and several 72-hour extensions on March 4, March 7 and March 10.

With Friday’s decision, the closure has now been extended for the sixth consecutive time.