Iraqi Airways suspends Beirut flights over regional security conditions

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Airways has suspended flights to Beirut because of regional security conditions, the Transport Ministry announced Monday, saying operations will resume once approval is granted by relevant authorities.

“Flights to the city of Beirut are currently suspended due to the security conditions and prevailing situation in the region, out of concern for the safety of travelers,” the ministry said, adding that the decision was taken in line with aviation safety regulations. “If approval is issued by the crisis cell and the relevant authorities to resume operations, Iraqi Airways will restart flights to Beirut and announce flight schedules through our official channels.”

The suspension follows ongoing escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, including new Israeli strikes on Beirut and deeper ground operations in southern Lebanon. Although a ceasefire linked to the wider US-Israel and Iran conflict was announced in April, fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has continued.

Iraq shut its airspace on Feb. 28 following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent missile and drone activity across the region. The Civil Aviation Authority reopened airspace in April after a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, ending a 38-day closure that stranded travelers and disrupted tourism and transport.