The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority announced that Iraq’s airspace has been fully reopened following the restoration of security in the region and the implementation of a ceasefire.
Transit Flights Resumed, Flight Operations Returning to Normal
In a statement to Rûdaw on Wednesday, 24 June 2025, spokesperson Cihad Diwan confirmed that the airspace is now open to all domestic and foreign carriers. Diwan also noted that transit flights have resumed and flight schedules are expected to return to normal starting from the morning hours.
Fly Erbil Resumes Flights to Istanbul and Beirut First
Following these developments, Fly Erbil Airlines announced the resumption of direct flights from Erbil International Airport to Istanbul and Beirut.
Fly Erbil CEO Lawend Mamundi said at a press conference:
“We will be the first airline to resume flights to Istanbul and Beirut, according to information provided by the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority.”
Mamundi added that other international routes will be gradually resumed as security conditions allow.
EASA Approval Pending for European Flights
Mamundi also stated that restarting direct flights to European destinations requires approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA):
“Currently, no airline can operate direct flights to Europe. However, if the situation remains stable over the next 48 hours, we aim to restart our European flights with EASA approval.”
1,283 Flights Cancelled in 10 Days
The temporary closure of Iraqi airspace on 13 June due to rising tensions between Iran and Israel had disrupted all flights in the region.
On 23 June, Dilan Reshad reported that a total of 1,283 flights were cancelled at Erbil and Sulaymaniyah airports in the last 10 days.
