Iraq extends airspace closure amid regional conflicts
Xinhua | Updated: 2026-03-01 20:10
BAGHDAD -- The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority on Sunday extended the total shutdown of the country's airspace for an additional 24 hours, citing continuous assessment of volatile regional security developments.
A statement issued by the authority said that the extension, effective from 12:00 noon local time (09:00 GMT) Sunday until 12:00 noon Monday, suspends all arriving, departing and transiting aircraft to ensure flight safety amid heightened military risks.
The authority described the measure as "temporary and precautionary."
The extension came a day after Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran, prompting Iran's retaliation. Tehran confirmed Sunday that its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in Saturday's attacks.
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