Iraq Extends Airspace Closure by 72 Hours Amid Regional Tensions

The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority has extended the closure of the country’s airspace for an additional 72 hours as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the authority said the extension takes effect from 12:00 p.m. local time (0900 GMT) on Tuesday and will remain in force until 12:00 p.m. on Friday.

According to the authority, the restriction applies to all arriving, departing and transiting aircraft across Iraqi airspace.

It described the suspension as a temporary precautionary measure taken after ongoing security assessments, adding that the situation would be reviewed depending on further developments.

The decision comes amid heightened regional tensions following joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran beginning on Feb. 28.

Iran later responded with attacks targeting Israel and U.S. assets in different parts of the Middle East.