The Iraqi Ministry of Transport announced that permission has been granted to use Cypriot airspace as part of evacuation efforts for Iraqi citizens stranded in Turkey, Lebanon, and Georgia. This development comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly following the escalation of conflict between Iran and Israel, which has increased the urgency for emergency evacuations.
According to the state news agency INA, a crisis management team established under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani secured the necessary clearance from the Republic of Cyprus to allow Iraqi Airways aircraft to safely transport stranded citizens to Basra International Airport.
Evacuation Flights Begin: 7 Operations on the First Day
Iraq’s national carrier, Iraqi Airways, conducted seven evacuation flights to Basra on Monday. The operations targeted Iraqi citizens stranded at several airports, including Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, as well as airports in Turkey and Georgia.
Officials stated that the number of emergency flights could increase in the coming days and that evacuation efforts will continue under a dynamic operational plan.
Crisis Team Approved by Al-Sudani
Following the escalation of hostilities between Iran and Israel, Prime Minister Al-Sudani approved the formation of a new crisis unit led by the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) to ensure the safe return of Iraqi citizens abroad. The team includes representatives from the Ministries of Transport and Foreign Affairs.
Priority Given to Beirut and Other Critical Areas
In its statement, the Ministry of Transport emphasized that priority would be given to citizens stranded in crisis zones, particularly Beirut. The operation is being carried out with careful attention to both logistical and diplomatic dimensions.
Iraqi authorities urged citizens not to rely on unofficial sources for information and to follow updates exclusively through official statements from Iraqi Airways and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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