An Iraqi Airways aircraft takes off during a scheduled flight
Iraq extends airspace closure for another week over security concerns
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority on Friday announced a one-week extension of the country’s airspace closure for all flights, citing ongoing security assessments and regional developments.
In a statement, the authority said it is extending “the closure of Iraqi airspace to all incoming, outgoing and transit flights for one week starting from 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026 (09:00 UTC) until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026) as a temporary precautionary measure.”
The authority said the decision comes “based on the continuous assessment of the security situation and developments in the regional situation,” adding that it will be reviewed in line with new developments.
It added that airlines and relevant authorities will be notified of any further updates.
The extension follows an earlier decision announced on March 31 to close Iraqi airspace for 72 hours under similar conditions. Authorities had said the measure was taken “based on the continuous assessment of the security situation and developments in the regional situation.”
Iraq first shut its airspace on Feb. 28 after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent missile and drone activity across the region. Since then, the closure has been repeatedly extended as part of what officials describe as a temporary precautionary measure tied to evolving security conditions.
No timeline has been announced for the full resumption of commercial flights.