Iraq Opens Western Military Airspace to Civil Aviation After Decade of Restrictions

Iraq's Transport Ministry announced the return of restricted airspace in the western part of the country to civilian authorities, bringing an end to limitations that had been in place for military operations since 2016.

All previously reserved zones, mainly situated in the western regions, have been transferred to the authority responsible for airports and air navigation for civilian aviation use, the ministry confirmed on Friday. These restricted areas were originally designated for military operations against ISIS in 2016 and 2017, a period when vast parts of Iraq's western desert served as operational bases utilized alongside international coalition forces.

“It has been officially confirmed by the airspace management team at the air operations centre that the military air zones listed in the Iraqi aeronautical guide are no longer being used for military operations,” Ehab Saad Karim, director of the General Company for Airports and Air Navigation Management, stated during a media conference.

This transition is expected to provide Iraqi aviation authorities with greater flexibility to redesign flight routes, alleviate restrictions on aircraft movement, and enhance overall airspace efficiency. Lingering security concerns over the past decade had previously hindered the full utilization of Iraq's airspace.

“Iraq's strategic location will boost opportunities for global airlines to utilise its airspace,” Mr Karim added.

Meanwhile, the country's national carrier, Iraqi Airways, has remained barred by the EU since 2015 due to ongoing security and safety concerns. Mr Karim explained that the decision to fully reopen the airspace followed years of technical and institutional efforts designed to improve air traffic flow and efficiency, noting that reopening the routes will increase revenue, enhance civilian air traffic, and support the national economy.

This announcement precedes the September 30 deadline set for the US-led international coalition to finalize its withdrawal from Iraq. Mr Karim confirmed that the complete reopening of the airspace forms part of the preparations and arrangements established for the departure of foreign troops.