Iraq extends airspace closure for tenth time

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority extended the closure of the country’s airspace for another 72 hours Saturday, through noon Tuesday, marking the tenth consecutive extension since the regional war began Feb. 28.

The authority described the decision as a “temporary precautionary measure” based on “the ongoing assessment of the security situation and regional developments,” adding it would be reviewed in line with new 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. The closure has now been in effect for 29 days, with no indication of when commercial flights will resume.