Iraq reopens airspace a day after shutdown as Iran-Israel exchange subsides

BAGHDAD — Iraq reopened its airspace to all arriving and departing flights Monday, less than 24 hours after suspending air traffic across the country following a fresh exchange of strikes between Iran and Israel.

“The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority announces the reopening of Iraqi airspace to flights from and to all Iraqi airports and the resumption of air traffic in accordance with approved operational procedures,” the authority said, adding that it would continue monitoring developments in coordination with relevant agencies.

The closure had been imposed Sunday night after Iran launched ballistic missiles toward Israel in its first direct attack since the April ceasefire. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it targeted Israel’s Ramat Air Base in a “warning” strike, adding that future responses could be “broader in scope” and target American and Israeli objectives. Israeli authorities said air defense systems intercepted incoming missiles as sirens sounded across northern Israel.

Israel responded Monday with strikes against military targets in Iran, according to Israeli and international media. U.S. President Donald Trump called on both sides to stop military action, and Iranian state media later reported Tehran had halted its attacks following the exchange, though Iranian officials warned that further escalation could trigger a stronger response.

The shutdown was Iraq’s second airspace closure in recent months. On Feb. 28, authorities suspended air traffic after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered missile and drone activity across the region, extending the closure 10 times before reopening on April 8 following a ceasefire, ending a 38-day shutdown that disrupted thousands of flights and stranded travelers.