Iraq extends airspace closure for eighth time through Sunday

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority extended the closure of the country’s airspace for another 72 hours Thursday, through noon Sunday, marking the eighth consecutive extension since the regional war began.

The authority said the decision was based on “continuous assessment of the security situation and developments in the regional conditions” and 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 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, 13 and 16. The latest extension carries the closure through the Eid al-Fitr holiday weekend, with no indication of when flights will resume.