ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s civil aviation authority said Tuesday that 25 civilian aircraft are stranded at the country’s airports and efforts are underway to move them out to prevent potential damage.
Bangin Rekani, acting head of Iraq's Civil Aviation Authority, told Rudaw's Sangar Abdulrahman they are awaiting suitable conditions to relocate the aircraft, but “Iraq's airspace continuously contains drones, missiles, and fighter jets, and the timing is not safe for civilian aircraft to fly and be moved.”
He added that Iraq’s Joint Operations Command has not yet granted approval for the relocation, noting that flights will only be allowed during a period of reduced risk or when conditions permit.
Iraq’s airspace has remained closed since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched a large-scale military campaign against Iran.