Baghdad-INA
Ministry of Transport announced on Tuesday that international air traffic will begin resuming through Iraqi airspace within the next 24 hours.
The ministry said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that, “Under the direct supervision and follow-up of the Minister of Transport, and as the culmination of intensive national efforts, the Ministry of Transport announces the success of high-level coordination meetings aimed at rerouting international air traffic to transit through Iraqi airspace.”
It added that “these efforts resulted in high-level coordination with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain, as well as the European Union and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), with transit air traffic expected to begin flowing through Iraqi airspace within the next 24 hours.”
It continued, “In line with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the ministry has instructed the relevant departments of the General Company for Air Navigation to maintain the highest level of operational readiness through the following measures:”
Confirming that the Aviation Communications Department has achieved full operational readiness of radar systems and voice communication networks to ensure efficient coverage.
The Air Traffic Department has coordinated with neighboring countries to verify the integrity and functionality of interconnecting communication links.
Relevant officials have been instructed to provide sufficient staffing levels to operate both primary and additional work sectors in anticipation of the expected increase in air traffic.
All air traffic controllers have been directed to provide the highest level of cooperation, deliver optimal air navigation services and shorter routing options, while fully adhering to the highest aviation safety standards and maintaining safe separation between aircraft.
The ministry stressed that “the return of Iraqi airspace as a key corridor for international aviation is clear evidence of the stability of the country's airspace environment and reflects the confidence of international organizations in the competence of our national workforce.”
