ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s civil aviation authority Sunday extended the closure of the country’s airspace for another 24 hours, as the conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel continues, affecting several parts of the country.
“The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority announces the extension of the closure of Iraqi airspace to all arriving, departing, and overflying aircraft for a period of (24) hours, effective from 12:00 noon today (09:00 UTC) until 12:00 noon tomorrow, Monday,” Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement.
“This measure is temporary and precautionary in nature,” it said.
Iraq initially closed its airspace following strikes launched Saturday by the United States and Israel against Iran, triggering retaliation that affected several countries across the Middle East, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the Kurdistan Region, according to Iranian state media.
“This decision has been taken based on the continuous assessment of the security situation and in light of ongoing regional developments and tensions, following a comprehensive review of all relevant information,” it said, adding that “The decision will be subject to further evaluation in accordance with any new developments.