US Extends Restrictions for Commercial Flights Over Iraq Until 2027, 16 OCT

 ERBIL — The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Tuesday extended restrictions on US commercial flights over Iraq for an additional three years, citing ongoing security risks from Iranian-aligned militias and military operations.

The decision extends the prohibition on flights below certain altitudes through October 2027, underscoring the continued threats in Iraqi airspace, according to Reuters.

The FAA’s restrictions also apply to foreign operators that serve as code-share partners for US airlines. In a recent incident, the US Department of Transportation fined Air Canada $250,000 for conducting flights through restricted Iraqi airspace in 2022 and 2023, in violation of the ban.

The FAA first imposed the airspace restrictions in 2014 due to escalating violence and instability in Iraq, particularly with the rise of the Islamic State.

Though the extremist group has since been largely defeated, the threat from other non-state actors, including Iranian-backed militias, has persisted. The region remains volatile, with militia groups occasionally targeting US military and diplomatic assets, further heightening security concerns.

Tensions have also escalated in recent months amid growing instability in the Middle East, particularly due to US-Iranian tensions. Iraqi territory has often been used as a battleground for proxy conflicts between Iranian-aligned militias and US interests. This environment of uncertainty has necessitated the FAA’s cautious approach to commercial air travel in the region.

The FAA’s action reflects a broader US effort to mitigate risks to civilian aviation in conflict zones. The agency has imposed similar restrictions over other high-risk areas, including parts of Ukraine, Syria, and Yemen, where military conflicts and security threats could endanger commercial aircraft.

Despite Iraq’s efforts to rebuild and stabilize its aviation sector, particularly in the wake of Islamic State’s defeat, the continued presence of Iranian-backed militia groups and their involvement in regional conflicts have raised concerns about the safety of Iraqi airspace. As the country remains a focal point in the broader US-Iran confrontation, the extension of these flight restrictions underscores the fragile security situation.