Iraq extends airspace closure for seventh time as regional conflict continues

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority announced Monday it is extending the closure of the country’s airspace for an additional 72 hours, from noon Monday until noon Thursday, marking the seventh consecutive extension since the regional war began.

The authority said the decision was based on ongoing security assessments and would be reassessed according to developments.

Iraq first closed its airspace Feb. 28 following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent missile and drone launches across the region. Projectiles targeted sites near Erbil International Airport on the first day of the closure, with debris from one causing a residential fire in Erbil’s Minara neighborhood.

The closure has been extended continuously since — first for 24 hours on March 1, then 48 hours on March 2, followed by 72-hour extensions on March 4, 7, 10 and 13.