Iraq studying partial reopening of airspace after more than a month of closure

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Transport is studying the possibility of partially reopening the country’s airspace, a ministry official said Wednesday, as the closure entered its second month with no firm timeline for resumption.

Maytham al-Safi, the ministry’s media director, told the Iraqi News Agency that government directives have been issued to conduct a study on partial reopening based on “precise scientific and technical frameworks that ensure the highest levels of civil aviation safety.” He said the ministry is working with national and international parties to identify alternative and safer air routes.

Al-Safi noted that during previous regional military operations, Iraq had been able to open limited airspace sections using safe corridors through Gulf countries — an option not currently available due to airspace closures across several neighboring countries and the expansion of military operations.

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 Civil Aviation Authority has extended the closure ten consecutive times, most recently through noon Tuesday. The closure has grounded all commercial flights, stranded thousands of Iraqis abroad and severely disrupted the travel and tourism sectors.