Iraq’s airspace is open and commercial flights are operating, but the situation remains volatile and services can be cancelled or rerouted at short notice.
Iraq Airspace and Flight Situation
Missile and drone attacks resumed in the region in September. Official travel advice warns that attacks may affect airports and trigger short-notice cancellations, diversions or temporary airspace restrictions.
Iraq’s airspace is open to civil traffic and commercial services are operating. Erbil International Airport’s live board showed arrivals and departures operating on 10 September, while published schedules for other airports should not be treated as proof that every flight will operate.
For wider regional disruption, see Wego’s Middle East flight cancellations and rescheduling tracker.
Current Airspace and Airport Guidance
| Area | What is confirmed | What travellers should do |
|---|---|---|
| Iraq airspace | Open; commercial flights are operating, although government advice describes overall availability as limited | Expect possible short-notice restrictions, diversions or cancellations |
| Baghdad (BGW) | Open, but no reliable public airport-wide live board was available for verification | Confirm the exact operating flight with the airline before travel |
| Erbil (EBL) | Open; the official board showed operated arrivals and departures on 10 September, including Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, Royal Jordanian and Iraqi Airways | Use the airport’s live board to distinguish completed flights from scheduled services |
| Basra (BSR) | Open, with published services to Baghdad, Erbil, Amman and Doha on 10 September; schedules do not confirm operation | Check the airline’s live status before leaving for the airport |
EASA Conflict-Zone Advisory
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s active Iraq-specific bulletin, CZIB-2026-05-R1, was revised on 31 August 2026 and is valid until 30 September 2026 unless reviewed earlier. It covers Baghdad Flight Information Region (ORBB) at all altitudes and flight levels.
EASA recommends that the operators covered by the bulletin do not operate within Iraqi airspace. It cites the risk from drone and ballistic-missile attacks, air-defence activity, armed groups and possible misidentification or unintended escalation.
Government Travel Advice
Airspace availability and personal travel safety are different questions. Several governments continue to advise against travel to Iraq, although the wording and geographical scope differ.
| Country | Current advice |
|---|---|
| United States | Level 4: Do Not Travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest and limited emergency support |
| United Kingdom | Against all travel to specified high-risk areas; against all but essential travel to other listed parts of Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region |
| Canada | Avoid all travel to Iraq and leave at the earliest opportunity while commercial options are available |
| Australia | Do not travel to Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, due to the volatile security situation and threats including armed conflict, terrorism and kidnapping |
Check the advisory issued for your nationality and destination before making any decision. Travel insurance may not cover a journey made against government advice.
Airline and Booking Status
Airline schedules are changing too quickly to treat a route-wide list as reliable. A carrier selling tickets does not guarantee that a particular service will operate.
- Check your booking in the airline’s app or website and confirm the flight number.
- Wait for a confirmed departure time before travelling to the airport.
- Ask the airline about rebooking or refund options if your flight is cancelled.
- Allow extra connection time because diversions and route changes may lengthen journeys.
Leaving Iraq by Land
Australian travel advice says road travel may be possible to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. It also warns that borders may close without notice and that there are no risk-free departure options.
Do not rely on old bus timetables, driving distances or assumed border-opening information. Check visa and border arrangements with the Iraqi authorities and the destination country immediately before setting out, and consider the security risks around checkpoints.
What Travellers Should Do Now
- Confirm the exact flight: Check with the operating airline before leaving for the airport.
- Keep plans flexible: Use changeable or refundable bookings where possible.
- Follow local warnings: Shelter in place if instructed and avoid military, government and energy sites.
- Check official advice: Review your government’s Iraq travel advisory and register for alerts.
- Prepare essentials: Keep travel documents, medicines, water and emergency contact details accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iraqi airspace open?
Yes. Iraq’s airspace is open and commercial flights are operating. EASA nevertheless advises operators covered by its Iraq bulletin not to use Baghdad FIR because it assesses a high risk to civil aviation.
Are Baghdad, Erbil and Basra airports operating?
Yes, commercial operations are active. Erbil’s official board showed operated flights on 10 September, but published schedules for Baghdad and Basra do not guarantee every service will run.
Can flights to Iraq be cancelled at short notice?
Yes. Official advice warns that missile, drone and rocket activity can trigger cancellations, diversions or temporary airspace restrictions with little notice.
Is it safe to travel to Iraq?
Major government advisories remain restrictive. The US, Canada and Australia advise against travel across Iraq, while the UK advice varies by area but warns against all or all but essential travel. Read the advice for your nationality before deciding.
Can travellers leave Iraq by land?
Road travel may be possible to neighbouring countries, but borders can close without notice and routes carry security risks. Verify the crossing, entry permission and local conditions immediately before travel.
Sources
- EASA – Airspace of Iraq, CZIB-2026-05-R1
- Erbil International Airport – live flight information
- Australian Government Smartraveller – Iraq Travel Advice
- UK FCDO – Iraq Travel Advice
- US Department of State – Iraq Travel Advisory
- Government of Canada – Iraq Travel Advice
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
