Iraq Lifts Airspace Restrictions Over Former Military Zones

An informed source said on Friday that most of the Iraqi areas where airspace restrictions have been lifted were previously designated for military purposes and are located in western and southwestern parts of the country.

The areas extend from Anbar through Najaf to Muthanna, following confirmation that they are no longer being used for military operations.

The Ministry of Transport announced the termination of the file concerning restricted airspace, stating that the military airspace zones listed in Iraq’s Aeronautical Information Publication are no longer in use for military operations and that the country’s entire airspace is now under national sovereignty and responsibility.

The ministry said the decision would provide greater flexibility in the use of Iraqi airspace, improve the flow of civil aviation, enhance flight routes and increase the operational efficiency of air navigation services.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces expressed full support for the General Company for Airports and Air Navigation following the formal removal of the restricted zones, describing the move as part of ongoing efforts to reorganize Iraq’s airspace in line with international safety and navigation standards.

It added that lifting the restrictions represents an important step toward strengthening Iraq’s position in regional and international air navigation, improving airspace management, increasing national revenues from aircraft overflight fees and facilitating civil aviation between different countries and continents.