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		<title>Airlines suspend more flights to Middle East as Iran conflict escalates</title>
		<link>https://ikurd.net/airlines-suspend-flights-middle-2026-03-19</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editorial Team]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 06:00:59 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Gulf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Qatar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Iraq]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tourism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aviation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UAE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saudi Arabia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jordan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Israel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Iran]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lebanon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Syria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Turkey]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ikurd.net/?p=142085</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>LONDON,— Global air travel continues to face major disruption after the war in Iran forced the shutdown of key Middle Eastern aviation hubs, including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. The closures have left tens of thousands of travelers stranded and forced airlines worldwide to cancel or reduce services. Airlines across Europe, Asia and North America [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ikurd.net/airlines-suspend-flights-middle-2026-03-19">Airlines suspend more flights to Middle East as Iran conflict escalates</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ikurd.net">iKurd News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_142089" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-142089" style="width: 450px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-142089" src="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Aircraft-airplane-marshaller-airport-2016-wikimedia-ord.jpg" alt="Airlines suspend more flights to Middle East as conflict escalates" width="450" height="360" srcset="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Aircraft-airplane-marshaller-airport-2016-wikimedia-ord.jpg 450w, https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Aircraft-airplane-marshaller-airport-2016-wikimedia-ord-300x240.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-142089" class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Creative Commons/wikimedia</figcaption></figure>
<p data-start="23" data-end="314"><strong>LONDON</strong>,— Global air travel continues to face major disruption after the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a style="color: #333333; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-says-it-launched-pre-emptive-attack-against-iran-2026-02-28/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">war</a></span></span> in Iran forced the shutdown of key Middle Eastern aviation hubs, including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.</p>
<p data-start="23" data-end="314">The closures have left tens of thousands of travelers stranded and forced airlines worldwide to cancel or reduce services.</p>
<p data-start="316" data-end="480">Airlines across Europe, Asia and North America have adjusted schedules, suspended routes and extended cancellations as the situation affects major flight corridors.</p>
<p data-start="482" data-end="719">Greece’s Aegean Airlines said it had cancelled flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut and Amman until April 22. Services to Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, and Baghdad remain suspended until May 24. Flights to Dubai are cancelled until April 19 and to Riyadh until April 18.</p>
<p data-start="721" data-end="862">Latvia’s airBaltic reported that all flights to Tel Aviv are cancelled until April 5, while services to Dubai are suspended until October 24.</p>
<p data-start="864" data-end="976">Air Canada said it had halted all flights to Tel Aviv until May 2 and cancelled flights to Dubai until March 28.</p>
<p data-start="978" data-end="1063">Spain’s Air Europa confirmed cancellations of all flights to Tel Aviv until April 10.</p>
<p data-start="1065" data-end="1346">Air France said flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut are cancelled until March 21. The airline also suspended routes to Dubai and Riyadh until March 20. KLM, part of the same group, said it had suspended flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Dubai until March 28, and to Tel Aviv until April 11.</p>
<p data-start="1348" data-end="1509">Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific cancelled all passenger flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh, along with cargo freighter services to those cities, until April 30.</p>
<p data-start="1511" data-end="1806">Delta Air Lines said it had cancelled flights between New York and Tel Aviv until March 31, and return flights until April 1. The airline also delayed the restart of its Atlanta to Tel Aviv service. Flights to Tel Aviv are now paused until August 4, with return flights suspended until August 5.</p>
<p data-start="1808" data-end="1891">El Al Israel Airlines said regular flight operations were cancelled until March 21.</p>
<p data-start="1893" data-end="2096">Emirates said it is operating a reduced schedule after a partial reopening of regional airspace. Etihad Airways also reported a limited commercial schedule between Abu Dhabi and several key destinations.</p>
<p data-start="2098" data-end="2257">Finnair cancelled flights to Dubai until March 29 and to Doha until April 2. The airline said it continues to avoid airspace over Iraq, Iran, Syria and Israel.</p>
<p data-start="2259" data-end="2436">Saudi budget carrier Flynas extended its suspension of flights to several destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Syria until March 31.</p>
<p data-start="2438" data-end="2752">International Airlines Group, which owns British Airways, extended cancellations of flights to Amman, Bahrain, Dubai and Tel Aviv until May 31. Flights to Doha are cancelled until April 30. The group also added flights to Bangkok and Singapore, while services to Abu Dhabi remain suspended until later in the year.</p>
<p data-start="2754" data-end="2888">India’s IndiGo said it had suspended operations to Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, Dammam, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah until March 28.</p>
<p data-start="2890" data-end="2994">Japan Airlines said it had halted Tokyo to Doha flights until March 31 and return flights until April 1.</p>
<p data-start="2996" data-end="3210">Poland’s LOT said flights to Dubai are cancelled until March 28 and to Tel Aviv until April 18. Flights to Riyadh are suspended until March 24, while services to Beirut are cancelled from March 31 through April 30.</p>
<p data-start="3212" data-end="3574">Germany’s Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Swiss, Brussels Airlines and ITA Airways, said it had suspended flights to Tel Aviv until April 9. Flights to Beirut, Dubai, Amman, Erbil, Dammam and Abu Dhabi are cancelled until March 28. Services to Tehran are suspended until April 30 and to Riyadh until April 5 for operational reasons.</p>
<p data-start="3576" data-end="3651">Malaysia Airlines said it had suspended all flights to Doha until March 28.</p>
<p data-start="3653" data-end="3788">Norwegian Air said it plans to begin flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut from June 15, later than previously scheduled dates in early April.</p>
<p data-start="3790" data-end="3987">Turkey’s Pegasus Airlines cancelled flights to Iran, Iraq, Amman, Beirut, Kuwait, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah until April 12. Flights to Riyadh are cancelled until March 23.</p>
<p data-start="3989" data-end="4086">Qatar Airways said it would operate a revised and limited schedule between March 18 and March 28.</p>
<p data-start="4088" data-end="4305">Turkey’s transport ministry said Turkish Airlines had cancelled flights to Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain and Dammam until March 19. Flights to Iran are cancelled until March 20.</p>
<p data-start="4307" data-end="4474">Wizz Air said it had suspended flights to Israel until March 29. Services to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman and Jeddah from mainland Europe are cancelled until mid September.</p>
<p data-start="4307" data-end="4474"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">(With files from Reuters)</span></p>
<p data-start="4307" data-end="4474">Copyright © 2026 <span style="color: #333333;"><a style="color: #333333;" href="https://ikurd.net/">iKurd.net</a></span>. All rights reserved.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ikurd.net/airlines-suspend-flights-middle-2026-03-19">Airlines suspend more flights to Middle East as Iran conflict escalates</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ikurd.net">iKurd News</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Flight cancellations hit Erbil International Airport as demand dips</title>
		<link>https://ikurd.net/flight-cancellations-hit-erbil-2026-02-21</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editorial Team]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 08:00:14 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Tourism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Islam]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aviation]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ikurd.net/?p=141243</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Low demand forces 10 flight cancellations at Erbil Airport during Ramadan ERBIL, Iraqi Kurdistan region,— Ten flights scheduled at Erbil International Airport have been canceled due to low passenger numbers, airport officials said. Ahmed Hoshyar, director of Erbil International Airport, spoke to Channel8 TV and explained that the decision was driven by a lack of [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ikurd.net/flight-cancellations-hit-erbil-2026-02-21">Flight cancellations hit Erbil International Airport as demand dips</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ikurd.net">iKurd News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_126746" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-126746" style="width: 450px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-126746" src="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Aircraft-marshaller-airplane-airport-2012-cc-New-Zealand-Defence-Force-flickr.jpg" alt="Flight cancellations hit Erbil International Airport as demand dips" width="450" height="360" srcset="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Aircraft-marshaller-airplane-airport-2012-cc-New-Zealand-Defence-Force-flickr.jpg 450w, https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Aircraft-marshaller-airplane-airport-2012-cc-New-Zealand-Defence-Force-flickr-300x240.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-126746" class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Creative Commons/New-Zealand Defence Force/flickr</figcaption></figure>
<h4><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Low demand forces 10 flight cancellations at Erbil Airport during Ramadan</span></strong></h4>
<p data-start="198" data-end="247"><strong>ERBIL</strong>, Iraqi Kurdistan region,— Ten flights scheduled at Erbil International Airport have been canceled due to low passenger numbers, airport officials said.</p>
<p data-start="378" data-end="720">Ahmed Hoshyar, director of Erbil International Airport, spoke to <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a style="color: #333333; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://channel8.com/kurdish/news/181305" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Channel8 TV</a></span></span> and explained that the decision was driven by a lack of passengers.</p>
<p data-start="378" data-end="720">He said all affected travelers were informed on Feb. 17 that their flights would not operate. Hoshyar did not provide additional details about the number of passengers booked on the canceled routes.</p>
<p data-start="722" data-end="1018">The suspended flights included services to and from Ankara, Istanbul, Vienna, and Doha.</p>
<p data-start="722" data-end="1018">These destinations are part of the airport’s regular international network, connecting Iraqi Kurdistan with Turkey, Europe, and the Middle East. Airlines typically operate these routes several times a week.</p>
<p data-start="1020" data-end="1242">Hoshyar reassured travelers that all other scheduled flights will continue as planned. “Passengers traveling to destinations not affected by the cancellations will not experience any changes to their schedules,” he said.</p>
<p data-start="1244" data-end="1631">Officials noted that passenger traffic usually decreases during Ramadan, continuing at a lower level until just before the Eid holiday.</p>
<p data-start="1244" data-end="1631">Following this period, travel activity generally rises, with more visitors arriving in the Kurdistan Region and more residents traveling abroad.</p>
<p data-start="1244" data-end="1631">Airport staff said they expect passenger numbers to increase again during Eid and other public holidays.</p>
<p data-start="1633" data-end="2006">Erbil International Airport is one of the main airports serving the Kurdistan Region. Along with Sulaimani International Airport, it handles most of the international and domestic flights in the area.</p>
<p data-start="1633" data-end="2006">The <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://ikurd.net/kurdistan-airports-resume-flights-2025-06-24">airport</a></strong></span> is a key gateway for residents of Iraqi Kurdistan and visitors from neighboring regions, facilitating tourism, business travel, and international connections.</p>
<p data-start="2008" data-end="2259">The cancellations highlight seasonal variations in travel demand, which affect airport operations and scheduling.</p>
<p data-start="2008" data-end="2259">Airport officials emphasized that the decision was made to optimize resources and ensure safe and efficient service for all passengers.</p>
<p data-start="2261" data-end="2450">With these measures, Erbil International Airport continues to operate normally for unaffected routes while planning for the expected rise in passenger traffic later in the holiday season.</p>
<p data-start="2261" data-end="2450">Copyright © 2026 iKurd.net. All rights reserved.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ikurd.net/flight-cancellations-hit-erbil-2026-02-21">Flight cancellations hit Erbil International Airport as demand dips</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ikurd.net">iKurd News</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Turkey lifts flight ban on Sulaimani International Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan</title>
		<link>https://ikurd.net/turkey-lifts-flight-ban-2025-10-10</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editorial Team]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:00:38 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tourism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aviation]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ikurd.net/?p=136302</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Flights Between Turkey and Sulaimani to Resume November 3, 2025 ANKARA,— Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has approved the lifting of Turkey’s airspace ban on flights to Sulaimani International Airport, ending more than a year and a half of restrictions that had disrupted travel and trade between Turkey and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, according [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ikurd.net/turkey-lifts-flight-ban-2025-10-10">Turkey lifts flight ban on Sulaimani International Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ikurd.net">iKurd News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_133593" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-133593" style="width: 450px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-133593" src="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Airplane-landing-airport-aircraft-2024-cc-pxfuel-com.jpg" alt="Turkey lifts flight ban on Sulaimani International Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan" width="450" height="360" srcset="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Airplane-landing-airport-aircraft-2024-cc-pxfuel-com.jpg 450w, https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Airplane-landing-airport-aircraft-2024-cc-pxfuel-com-300x240.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-133593" class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Creative Commons/pxfuel</figcaption></figure>
<h5 data-start="5103" data-end="5414"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Flights Between Turkey and Sulaimani to Resume November 3, 2025</span></strong></h5>
<p data-start="5103" data-end="5414"><strong>ANKARA</strong>,— Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has approved the lifting of Turkey’s airspace ban on flights to Sulaimani International Airport, ending more than a year and a half of restrictions that had disrupted travel and trade between Turkey and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, according to Turkish officials.</p>
<p data-start="5416" data-end="5798">The flight ban, first introduced on April 3, 2023, was based on what Turkish authorities described as increased Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) activity in Sulaimani province.</p>
<p data-start="5416" data-end="5798">The order blocked all international flights bound for Sulaimani from entering Turkish airspace, forcing passengers from Europe and other destinations to transit through airports in the Gulf, including Dubai.</p>
<p data-start="5800" data-end="6153">Yahya Ustun, Turkish Airlines’ Senior Vice President for Media Relations, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a style="color: #333333; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://x.com/yhyustun/status/1976333644311445966" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced on X</a></span></span> that flights to Sulaimani will soon resume. “As the national airline, we take pride in representing Turkey in skies across the world,” he said. “Our Sulaimani service, operating daily, will help strengthen trade, culture, and tourism ties between Iraq and Turkey.”</p>
<p data-start="6155" data-end="6459">Authorities in the Kurdistan Region welcomed the move, calling it a sign of progress in bilateral relations.</p>
<p data-start="6155" data-end="6459">A statement issued by regional officials said the decision “reflects the positive and cooperative framework” between Erbil and Ankara and will benefit residents of Sulaimani and the wider region.</p>
<p data-start="6461" data-end="6990">Turkey has long accused local leaders in Sulaimani of having close ties with the PKK, which is banned in Turkey. It is not the first time Ankara has taken punitive action against the province.</p>
<p data-start="6461" data-end="6990">Following the 2017 Barzani&#8217;s controversial Kurdish independence referendum, Iraq’s central government closed the skies to both Erbil and <span style="color: #333333;"><a style="color: #333333;" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulaimaniyah_International_Airport" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sulaimani</a></span> airports. While most countries reopened airspace to Erbil in early 2018, Turkey kept restrictions on Sulaimani, citing security concerns.</p>
<p data-start="6992" data-end="7377">The PKK formally announced its <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://ikurd.net/pkk-disbands-organization-2025-05-12">disbandment</a></strong></span> in May this year, ending decades of armed conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people. The group’s decision followed an <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://ikurd.net/ocalan-calls-dissolve-pkk-2025-02-27">appeal</a></strong></span> from its imprisoned founder, Abdullah Ocalan, for a political solution to the Kurdish question. In a symbolic ceremony held in eastern Sulaimani province in July, PKK fighters publicly <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://ikurd.net/pkk-fighters-destroy-weapons-2-2025-07-11">burned</a></strong></span> their weapons.</p>
<p data-start="7379" data-end="7548">In another development, Baghdad recently approved a proposal to rename the Sulaimani airport after <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://ikurd.net/sulaimani-airport-renamed-jalal-2025-10-01">Jalal Talabani</a></strong></span>, the late Iraqi president and Kurdish political leader.</p>
<p data-start="7550" data-end="7991">Erdogan’s decision to reopen the airspace comes shortly after Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani visited Ankara for talks with Turkish leaders.</p>
<p data-start="7550" data-end="7991">Barzani met with Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss political, security, and economic cooperation, according to official statements. Kurdish outlet Rudaw reported that Barzani personally requested the lifting of the ban, though this could not be independently confirmed.</p>
<p data-start="7993" data-end="8334">Political analysts view the move as a possible attempt by Barzani to reduce friction between his Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), which holds sway in Sulaimani. The Kurdistan Region has faced a political deadlock for more than a year, with no functioning parliament or unified government in place.</p>
<p data-start="8336" data-end="8619">Economic losses caused by the ban have been substantial. Ata Anwar, who heads the Association of Tourism Agencies in Sulaimani, told Channel8 that nearly 200 travel companies depend on Turkish flights. He estimated losses exceeding one million dollars monthly due to canceled routes.</p>
<p data-start="8621" data-end="8864">The Turkish Civil Aviation Authority had extended the ban multiple times since 2023. The reopening of airspace is expected to revive Sulaimani’s tourism and business sectors, restoring an important link between the Kurdistan Region and Turkey.</p>
<p data-start="280" data-end="502">Turkey will reopen its airspace to flights bound for Sulaimani International Airport and resume direct air service to the city starting November 3, 2025 the airport’s acting chief announced on October 15, 2025.</p>
<p data-start="504" data-end="690">Rebaz Mohamed, acting CEO of Sulaimani International Airport, said operations will restart with five flights per week, with plans to expand to daily flights in the near future.</p>
<p data-start="8621" data-end="8864"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">(With files from Agencies)</span></p>
<p data-start="8621" data-end="8864">Copyright © 2025 iKurd.net. All rights reserved</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ikurd.net/turkey-lifts-flight-ban-2025-10-10">Turkey lifts flight ban on Sulaimani International Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ikurd.net">iKurd News</a>.</p>
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		<title>Iraq launches single e-visa system, Kurdistan region included</title>
		<link>https://ikurd.net/iraq-launches-single-visa-2025-10-02</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editorial Team]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 06:00:40 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aviation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tourism]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ikurd.net/?p=136059</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>BAGHDAD,— Iraq’s government has approved a unified nationwide electronic visa system that will apply to all visitors, including those entering through the Kurdistan Region, officials said Tuesday. The office of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced in a statement that the Cabinet voted to establish a single federal platform for issuing entry visas. The system [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ikurd.net/iraq-launches-single-visa-2025-10-02">Iraq launches single e-visa system, Kurdistan region included</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ikurd.net">iKurd News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_136062" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-136062" style="width: 450px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-136062" src="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Iraq-Kurdistan-visa-evisa-2025-photo-evisa-iq.jpg" alt="Iraq launches single e-visa system, Kurdistan region included" width="450" height="360" srcset="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Iraq-Kurdistan-visa-evisa-2025-photo-evisa-iq.jpg 450w, https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Iraq-Kurdistan-visa-evisa-2025-photo-evisa-iq-300x240.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-136062" class="wp-caption-text">Photo: evisa.iq</figcaption></figure>
<p data-start="263" data-end="458"><strong>BAGHDAD</strong>,— Iraq’s government has approved a unified nationwide <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a style="color: #333333; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://evisa.iq/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">electronic visa</a></span></span> system that will apply to all visitors, including those entering through the Kurdistan Region, officials said Tuesday.</p>
<p data-start="460" data-end="722">The office of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced in a statement that the Cabinet voted to establish a single federal platform for issuing entry visas.</p>
<p data-start="460" data-end="722">The system will also link visa issuance with mandatory health insurance coverage for travelers.</p>
<p data-start="724" data-end="1125">According to the statement, the Kurdistan Regional Government will no longer issue visas separately.</p>
<p data-start="724" data-end="1125">Instead, the KRG will be required to process entry permits through the federal system, which will only accept applications accompanied by health insurance certificates.</p>
<p data-start="724" data-end="1125">All relevant ministries and the KRG Representation are barred from issuing visas without proof of insurance, the statement added.</p>
<p data-start="1127" data-end="1443">Fees collected through the platform will go to Iraq’s Health Insurance Authority. That agency will also provide insurance certificates for groups not eligible under the e-visa system, according to the government.</p>
<p data-start="1127" data-end="1443">A separate platform will handle health insurance documents for individuals outside the new framework.</p>
<p data-start="1445" data-end="1797">The Interior Ministry announced in March that Iraq would begin providing electronic visas for travelers from a number of countries in place of visas on arrival.</p>
<p data-start="1445" data-end="1797">Eligible nations include European Union members as well as Australia, Canada, China, France, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.</p>
<p data-start="1799" data-end="2092">The <span style="color: #333333;"><a style="color: #333333;" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurdistan_Region" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kurdistan</a></span> Region had launched its own e-visa service in February 2023 as part of efforts to encourage tourism and investment.</p>
<p data-start="1799" data-end="2092">That system allowed foreign travelers to enter Erbil and other cities in the region but did not grant access to federal territory outside Kurdistan Region.</p>
<p data-start="2094" data-end="2431">Currently, the KRG continues to run its own visa regime. Citizens of 53 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and European Union states, can obtain visas upon arrival at airports and border crossings in the Kurdish region. These visas, however, remain valid only within Kurdistan and do not allow entry into federal Iraq.</p>
<p data-start="2094" data-end="2431"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">(With files from Agencies)</span></p>
<p data-start="2094" data-end="2431">Copyright © 2025 <span style="color: #333333;"><a style="color: #333333;" href="https://ikurd.net/">iKurd.net</a></span>. All rights reserved</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ikurd.net/iraq-launches-single-visa-2025-10-02">Iraq launches single e-visa system, Kurdistan region included</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ikurd.net">iKurd News</a>.</p>
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		<title>Sulaimani airport to be renamed Jalal Talabani airport, Iraqi Kurdistan</title>
		<link>https://ikurd.net/sulaimani-airport-renamed-jalal-2025-10-01</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editorial Team]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:30:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tourism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aviation]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ikurd.net/?p=136042</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>BAGHDAD,— Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Transport Minister Razzaq al-Saadawi have approved a request to rename the Sulaimaniyah international airport in Sulaimani province in Iraq&#8217;s Kurdistan Region after the late Kurdish leader and former Iraqi president Jalal Talabani, officials said Tuesday. Maytham al-Safi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport, told state media that [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ikurd.net/sulaimani-airport-renamed-jalal-2025-10-01">Sulaimani airport to be renamed Jalal Talabani airport, Iraqi Kurdistan</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ikurd.net">iKurd News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_136047" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-136047" style="width: 450px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-136047" src="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jalal-Talabani-International-airport-Sulaimani-city-Iraqi-Kurdistan-Oct-2025-ikurd-net-ai.jpg" alt="Sulaimani airport to be renamed Jalal Talabani airport, Iraqi Kurdistan" width="450" height="360" srcset="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jalal-Talabani-International-airport-Sulaimani-city-Iraqi-Kurdistan-Oct-2025-ikurd-net-ai.jpg 450w, https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jalal-Talabani-International-airport-Sulaimani-city-Iraqi-Kurdistan-Oct-2025-ikurd-net-ai-300x240.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-136047" class="wp-caption-text">Illustrative photo: iKurd.net/ai</figcaption></figure>
<p data-start="455" data-end="740"><strong data-start="455" data-end="471">BAGHDAD</strong>,— Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Transport Minister Razzaq al-Saadawi have approved a request to rename the Sulaimaniyah international airport in Sulaimani province in Iraq&#8217;s Kurdistan Region after the late Kurdish leader and former Iraqi president Jalal Talabani, officials said Tuesday.</p>
<p data-start="742" data-end="1022">Maytham al-Safi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport, told state media that the two leaders agreed to change the name of Sulaimaniyah International Airport to Jalal Talabani International Airport. He said the decision will take effect once final procedures are completed.</p>
<p data-start="1024" data-end="1292">The move follows a <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a style="color: #333333; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://pukmedia.com/KS/Details/207882" target="_blank" rel="noopener">formal request</a></span></span> submitted by the President Jalal Talabani Foundation, which has <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a style="color: #333333; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://www.awene.com/detail?article=127932" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pushed</a></span></span> for the change over the last four years. The foundation said the renaming honors Talabani’s political legacy and his decades of service to both Kurds and Iraqis.</p>
<p data-start="1294" data-end="1796">Ambassador Mohammed Sabir, who heads the foundation, welcomed the decision. “President Mam Jalal, like other great leaders, deserves to be remembered in every possible way. Naming Sulaimaniyah International Airport after him is a modest tribute to his historic struggle and lasting achievements,” he said.</p>
<p data-start="1294" data-end="1796">Sabir added that relevant instructions have already been circulated to the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority and airports nationwide. A public ceremony will be held once the paperwork is finalized.</p>
<p data-start="1798" data-end="2047">Sabir described the renaming as part of a broader effort to preserve Talabani’s role in modern Iraqi history. “This ensures that Mam Jalal’s name will live on, just as other countries commemorate their leaders through national landmarks,” he said.</p>
<figure id="attachment_136050" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-136050" style="width: 450px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-136050" src="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Sulaimaniyah-International-Airport-Sulaimani-Iraqi-Kurdistan-2010s-photo-airport.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="360" srcset="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Sulaimaniyah-International-Airport-Sulaimani-Iraqi-Kurdistan-2010s-photo-airport.jpg 450w, https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Sulaimaniyah-International-Airport-Sulaimani-Iraqi-Kurdistan-2010s-photo-airport-300x240.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-136050" class="wp-caption-text">Sulaimaniyah International Airport, Sulaimani city, Iraqi Kurdistan 2010s. Photo: SIA</figcaption></figure>
<p data-start="2049" data-end="2415">Sulaimaniyah International Airport was inaugurated in July 2005 by Talabani himself. Construction of the airport began in 2003, with the facility built over 13.5 square kilometers.</p>
<p data-start="2049" data-end="2415">It was formally recognized by international aviation organizations later in 2005. Although located in the Kurdistan Region, the airport is overseen by Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority.</p>
<p data-start="2417" data-end="2580">The President Jalal Talabani Foundation describes itself as an independent, non-profit institution that documents and promotes Talabani’s life and contributions.</p>
<h5 data-start="2582" data-end="2612"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Local Opposition Emerges</strong></span></h5>
<p data-start="2614" data-end="2858">Not everyone welcomed the decision by the Iraqi Prime Minister and Transport Minister. The Sulaimanyah Nature and Property Protection Board <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a style="color: #333333; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://nrttv.com/detail/53179" target="_blank" rel="noopener">released a statement</a></span></span> on Tuesday calling the renaming a “serious violation” that ignores local opinion.</p>
<p data-start="2860" data-end="3095">According to the board, the airport belongs to the residents of Sulaimanyah and cannot be claimed by any political family or party. The group argued that the city’s 241-year-old history is “greater than the legacy of any one person.”</p>
<p data-start="3097" data-end="3520">The statement criticized what it described as unilateral action by an organization tied to the Talabani family. It urged both the Kurdistan Regional Government and the central authorities in Baghdad to preserve the existing name.</p>
<p data-start="3097" data-end="3520">“We insist that Sulaimaniyah International Airport remain unchanged, and we warn against setting a precedent where public institutions are renamed without community approval,” the board said.</p>
<p data-start="3097" data-end="3520">Some critics also noted that Kurdistan’s history includes many other prominent personalities whose names could equally be chosen for such landmarks.</p>
<p data-start="3097" data-end="3520">They warned the move might trigger further renamings across the region, saying Erbil International Airport could one day be renamed Mustafa Barzani Airport and Duhok Airport might carry the name of Massoud Barzani. Opponents said such steps risk turning public facilities into symbols of party politics rather than collective heritage.</p>
<h5 data-start="3522" data-end="3545"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Talabani’s Legacy</strong></span></h5>
<figure id="attachment_131373" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-131373" style="width: 450px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-131373" src="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Iraqi-president-Jalal-Talabani-Sep-9-2005-cc-defense-gov.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="360" srcset="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Iraqi-president-Jalal-Talabani-Sep-9-2005-cc-defense-gov.jpg 450w, https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Iraqi-president-Jalal-Talabani-Sep-9-2005-cc-defense-gov-300x240.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-131373" class="wp-caption-text">Jalal Talabani, who served as the sixth president of Iraq from 2005 to 2014. Photo: U.S. Department of Defense/defence.gov/2005</figcaption></figure>
<p data-start="3547" data-end="3896">Jalal Talabani, known popularly as Mam Jalal, was born in 1933 and became one of the most influential Kurdish leaders of the 20th century. He co-founded the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in 1975 after years of political activism, including his early involvement with the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Kurdistan Students Union.</p>
<p data-start="3898" data-end="4138">Talabani joined the armed struggle in the 1960s and played a central role in the Kurdish resistance movement. After the collapse of the Kurdish revolution in 1975, he helped consolidate Kurdish political forces under the newly formed PUK.</p>
<p data-start="4140" data-end="4411">Following the 1991 Uprising, Talabani was a leading negotiator with Baghdad and was instrumental in the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government after the 1992 elections. His advocacy for federalism later shaped the framework of Iraq’s post-Saddam governance.</p>
<p data-start="4413" data-end="4803">After the 2003 U.S.-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein’s Ba’ath government, Talabani was elected as Iraq’s president in 2005. He became the first Kurd and first non-Arab to hold the office, serving until 2014. His reputation as a mediator earned him the respect of Iraq’s diverse political and religious groups. Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani once described him as “Iraq’s safety valve.”</p>
<p data-start="4805" data-end="4937">Talabani died in 2017 after years of health complications. He remains a symbol of Kurdish aspirations and national reconciliation.</p>
<p data-start="4939" data-end="5228">The renaming of Sulaimaniyah International Airport by the Prime Minister and Transport Minister has now reignited debate over how his legacy should be honored, with supporters viewing the change as long overdue recognition and critics warning against personalizing public infrastructure.</p>
<p data-start="4939" data-end="5228"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">(With files from PUKmedia | NRT TV | Rudaw)</span></p>
<p data-start="4939" data-end="5228">Copyright © 2025 iKurd.net. All rights reserved</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ikurd.net/sulaimani-airport-renamed-jalal-2025-10-01">Sulaimani airport to be renamed Jalal Talabani airport, Iraqi Kurdistan</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ikurd.net">iKurd News</a>.</p>
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		<title>Rescue helicopter crashes in Sulaimani, injuring two</title>
		<link>https://ikurd.net/rescue-helicopter-crashes-sulaimani-2025-08-29</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editorial Team]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Aug 2025 06:00:59 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Aviation]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ikurd.net/?p=135232</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>SULAIMANI,— A rescue helicopter crashed in the mountains of Sulaimani city in Iraqi Kurdistan region on Friday while retrieving the body of a man killed in a car accident, injuring two crew members, authorities said. The crash happened on Mount Azmar after a vehicle plunged down a steep slope late Thursday, killing the driver, according [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ikurd.net/rescue-helicopter-crashes-sulaimani-2025-08-29">Rescue helicopter crashes in Sulaimani, injuring two</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ikurd.net">iKurd News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_135237" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-135237" style="width: 450px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-135237" src="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Helicopter-crashes-Sulaimani-Iraqi-Kurdistan-Aug-29-2025-police.jpg" alt="Rescue helicopter crashes in Sulaimani, injuring two" width="450" height="360" srcset="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Helicopter-crashes-Sulaimani-Iraqi-Kurdistan-Aug-29-2025-police.jpg 450w, https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Helicopter-crashes-Sulaimani-Iraqi-Kurdistan-Aug-29-2025-police-300x240.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-135237" class="wp-caption-text">A Helicopter crashes in Sulaimani city during rescue mission on Mount Azmar, August 29, 2025. Photo: Sulaimani traffic police</figcaption></figure>
<p data-start="2612" data-end="2817"><strong data-start="2612" data-end="2643">SULAIMANI</strong>,— A rescue helicopter crashed in the mountains of Sulaimani city in Iraqi Kurdistan region on Friday while retrieving the body of a man killed in a car accident, injuring two crew members, authorities said.</p>
<p data-start="2819" data-end="3089">The crash happened on Mount Azmar after a vehicle plunged down a steep slope late Thursday, killing the driver, according to the Sulaimani Traffic Directorate.</p>
<p data-start="2819" data-end="3089">Officials said the accident site was too difficult to reach by road, prompting the deployment of a helicopter.</p>
<p data-start="3091" data-end="3210">“A technical problem caused the aircraft to crash during the recovery mission,” the traffic police said in a statement.</p>
<p data-start="3091" data-end="3210">The two men on board — the pilot, identified as Amid Hussen Fayzullah, head of the <span style="color: #333333;"><a style="color: #333333;" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulaymaniyah" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sulaimani</a></span> Aviation Team, and a traffic officer — were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to spokesperson Bakhtiyar Mohammed. Both are in stable condition.</p>
<p data-start="3498" data-end="3822">Relatives of the deceased driver identified him as Ahmed Rasul, 50, who worked in tower maintenance on the mountain. According to family member Qudsi Ismail, Rasul was returning from work on Thursday when his car fell from the road into harsh terrain. His body was located on Friday after several hours of searching.</p>
<p data-start="3824" data-end="3969">“Due to the area’s difficulty, a helicopter was sent after coordination between traffic police, Asayish forces, and other agencies,” Ismail said.</p>
<p data-start="3971" data-end="4170">Local sources said that the helicopter crashed from a low altitude, about 10 to 12 meters, and there was no fire after the impact. Volunteers assisted in carrying the injured down the mountain.</p>
<p data-start="4172" data-end="4305">After being retrieved, Rasul’s body was taken for forensic examination and later buried in his village of Khamza, relatives said.</p>
<p data-start="4307" data-end="4546">Helicopter accidents are uncommon in Iraq&#8217;s Kurdistan Region. One of the last major incidents occurred in March 2023, when two helicopters carrying members of the Syrian Democratic Forces’ anti-terror units crashed in Sulaimani, killing nine.</p>
<p data-start="4307" data-end="4546"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">(With files from Channel8 | Rudaw | Agencies)</span></p>
<p data-start="4307" data-end="4546">Copyright © 2025 <span style="color: #333333;"><a style="color: #333333;" href="https://ikurd.net/">iKurd.net</a></span>. All rights reserved</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ikurd.net/rescue-helicopter-crashes-sulaimani-2025-08-29">Rescue helicopter crashes in Sulaimani, injuring two</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ikurd.net">iKurd News</a>.</p>
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		<title>Fly Erbil flight diverts to Romania after passenger heart attack</title>
		<link>https://ikurd.net/fly-erbil-flight-diverts-2025-07-03</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editorial Team]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2025 06:00:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Tourism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aviation]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ikurd.net/?p=133827</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>BUCHAREST, Romania, — A flight operated by Fly Erbil made an emergency landing in the Romanian capital early Thursday after a Kurdish tourist onboard experienced a heart attack while en route to Germany. The passenger, who was traveling on a direct flight from Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, to Hanover, suffered a heart attack as the aircraft [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ikurd.net/fly-erbil-flight-diverts-2025-07-03">Fly Erbil flight diverts to Romania after passenger heart attack</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ikurd.net">iKurd News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_124901" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-124901" style="width: 450px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-124901" src="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/FlyErbil-airplane-Iraqi-Kurdistan-b-2021-flyebl-com.jpg" alt="Fly Erbil flight diverts to Romania after passenger heart attack" width="450" height="360" srcset="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/FlyErbil-airplane-Iraqi-Kurdistan-b-2021-flyebl-com.jpg 450w, https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/FlyErbil-airplane-Iraqi-Kurdistan-b-2021-flyebl-com-300x240.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-124901" class="wp-caption-text">A FlyErbil airplane in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan. Photo: flyebl.com</figcaption></figure>
<p data-start="450" data-end="657"><strong>BUCHAREST,</strong> Romania, — A flight operated by Fly Erbil made an emergency landing in the Romanian capital early Thursday after a Kurdish tourist onboard experienced a heart attack while en route to Germany.</p>
<p data-start="659" data-end="866">The passenger, who was traveling on a direct flight from Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, to Hanover, suffered a heart attack as the aircraft entered Romanian airspace, according to a <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a style="color: #333333; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1163412242485584&amp;set=a.546430004183814" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a></span></span> published by Fly Erbil on its official Facebook page.</p>
<p data-start="868" data-end="1137">The incident occurred late Wednesday night, prompting the flight crew to divert the plane to Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest.</p>
<p data-start="868" data-end="1137">Upon landing, airport medical personnel boarded the aircraft and transported the passenger to a local hospital for urgent care.</p>
<p data-start="1139" data-end="1352">The airline did not disclose the individual’s name or condition. Following the medical emergency and passenger transfer, the flight resumed its scheduled route and continued on to its final destination in Hanover.</p>
<p data-start="153" data-end="284">On December 21, 2024 a Fly Erbil flight headed to London made an <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://ikurd.net/flyerbil-plane-emergency-2024-12-21">emergency landing</a></strong></span> in Croatia due to technical problems.</p>
<p data-start="286" data-end="483"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://ikurd.net/flyerbil-business-class-review-2024-09-28">Fly Erbil</a></strong></span> is the first Kurdish-owned airline, based in Erbil, the capital city of Iraqi Kurdistan Region. The airline is reportedly owned by the ruling Barzani family or a company closely linked to them.</p>
<p data-start="485" data-end="742">While heart attacks on planes are rare, they are serious medical emergencies. Flight crews receive training to handle these situations, including cardiac events. According to <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a style="color: #333333; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/guidelines-for-flying-with-heart-disease-1746208" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Verywell Health</a></span></span>, heart problems are the most common cause of death during flights.</p>
<p data-start="744" data-end="1138">If a passenger shows signs of a heart attack, such as chest pain, flight attendants respond by assessing the situation and providing first aid. This may include giving oxygen or medications like aspirin and nitroglycerin if available.</p>
<p data-start="744" data-end="1138">Airlines also follow procedures to get advice from medical experts on the ground and may choose to divert the flight to get the passenger medical help quickly.</p>
<p data-start="744" data-end="1138">Copyright © 2025 iKurd.net. All rights reserved</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ikurd.net/fly-erbil-flight-diverts-2025-07-03">Fly Erbil flight diverts to Romania after passenger heart attack</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ikurd.net">iKurd News</a>.</p>
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		<title>Kurdistan airports resume flights after Iraqi airspace reopens</title>
		<link>https://ikurd.net/kurdistan-airports-resume-flights-2025-06-24</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editorial Team]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2025 03:00:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Aviation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tourism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ikurd.net/?p=133583</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>ERBIL,— Airports in Iraqi Kurdistan resumed flight operations Tuesday after a 12-day halt caused by regional conflict between Israel and Iran, officials confirmed. The reopening affected major airports in Erbil and Sulaimani. According to the Ministry of Transportation, Erbil International Airport, the region&#8217;s busiest hub, canceled 1,184 flights during the closure, while Sulaimani International Airport [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ikurd.net/kurdistan-airports-resume-flights-2025-06-24">Kurdistan airports resume flights after Iraqi airspace reopens</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ikurd.net">iKurd News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_133591" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-133591" style="width: 450px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-133591" src="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Airplane-landing-airport-aircraft-2024-cc-Pixabay-com.jpg" alt="Kurdistan airports resume flights after Iraqi airspace reopens" width="450" height="360" srcset="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Airplane-landing-airport-aircraft-2024-cc-Pixabay-com.jpg 450w, https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Airplane-landing-airport-aircraft-2024-cc-Pixabay-com-300x240.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-133591" class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Creative Commons/Pixabay</figcaption></figure>
<p data-start="158" data-end="313"><strong>ERBIL</strong>,— Airports in Iraqi Kurdistan resumed flight operations Tuesday after a 12-day halt caused by regional conflict between Israel and Iran, officials confirmed.</p>
<p data-start="315" data-end="656">The reopening affected major airports in Erbil and Sulaimani. According to the Ministry of Transportation, Erbil International Airport, the region&#8217;s busiest hub, canceled 1,184 flights during the closure, while Sulaimani International Airport had 99 canceled flights.</p>
<p data-start="315" data-end="656">Kirkuk International Airport also resumed operations on Tuesday.</p>
<p data-start="658" data-end="1009">Sulaimani International Airport issued a statement on Tuesday, confirming that the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority officially authorized reopening the airspace at 10:30 a.m. local time.</p>
<p data-start="658" data-end="1009">The Iraqi Ministry of Transportation also noted that flight services would restart initially in southern parts of the country, with broader operations following soon.</p>
<p data-start="1011" data-end="1299">The closure came amid a sharp escalation in conflict between Israel and Iran, which began June 13 with Israeli <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://ikurd.net/israel-hits-irans-nuclear-2025-06-13">airstrikes</a></strong></span> targeting Iranian military sites and officials. Iran retaliated with <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://ikurd.net/iran-missiles-hit-civilian-2025-06-15">missile</a></strong></span> and drone attacks on Israel, prompting Iraq to close its airspace due to safety concerns.</p>
<p data-start="1301" data-end="1499">The decision to reopen airspace followed a ceasefire agreement announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. Aviation authorities in Iraq and Kurdistan have declared the airspace safe for flights again.</p>
<p data-start="1501" data-end="1669">According to Iraq’s transport ministry, the lifting of restrictions marks a return to normalcy for the region’s airports after nearly two weeks of suspended operations.</p>
<p data-start="1671" data-end="1912">On June 15, Egypt’s national airline, EgyptAir, has <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://ikurd.net/egyptair-suspends-flights-iraq-2025-06-16">suspended flights</a></strong></span> to <span style="color: #333333;"><a style="color: #333333;" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erbil_International_Airport" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Erbil</a></span> in the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, due to growing instability in the region.</p>
<p data-start="1671" data-end="1912">In March 2025, the Iraqi Ministry of Transport reported a significant <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://ikurd.net/iraq-reports-650-planes-2025-03-17">rise in the number</a></strong></span> of aircraft flying through, landing, and departing from Iraqi airspace. The Ministry’s media office stated that daily flights now number between 600 and 650, reflecting ongoing efforts to open more of the airspace by easing military restrictions.</p>
<p data-start="1671" data-end="1912">Copyright © 2025 iKurd.net. All rights reserved</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ikurd.net/kurdistan-airports-resume-flights-2025-06-24">Kurdistan airports resume flights after Iraqi airspace reopens</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ikurd.net">iKurd News</a>.</p>
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		<title>EgyptAir suspends flights to Iraq and Kurdistan</title>
		<link>https://ikurd.net/egyptair-suspends-flights-iraq-2025-06-16</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editorial Team]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2025 06:00:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tourism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aviation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Egypt]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ikurd.net/?p=133318</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>CAIRO,— Egypt’s national airline, EgyptAir, has suspended flights to Erbil in the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, due to growing instability in the region, according to a statement released Sunday by the State Information Service. The airline said the suspension aims to prioritize passenger safety as instability continues across the region. “In [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ikurd.net/egyptair-suspends-flights-iraq-2025-06-16">EgyptAir suspends flights to Iraq and Kurdistan</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ikurd.net">iKurd News</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_133321" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-133321" style="width: 450px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-133321" src="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Egypt-Air-plane-Boeing-777-36N-2011-cc-byeangel-flickr.jpg" alt="EgyptAir suspends flights to Iraq and Kurdistan" width="450" height="360" srcset="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Egypt-Air-plane-Boeing-777-36N-2011-cc-byeangel-flickr.jpg 450w, https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Egypt-Air-plane-Boeing-777-36N-2011-cc-byeangel-flickr-300x240.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-133321" class="wp-caption-text">EgyptAir airplane, Boeing 777-36N, 2011. Photo: Creative Commons/byeangel/flickr</figcaption></figure>
<p><strong data-start="255" data-end="269">CAIRO</strong>,— Egypt’s national airline, EgyptAir, has suspended flights to Erbil in the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, due to growing instability in the region, according to a <span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #333333;"><a style="color: #333333; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://www.sis.gov.eg/Story/209261/EgyptAir-cancels-flights-to-Beirut%2C-Amman%2C-Baghdad%2C-Erbil-due-to-Iranian-Israeli-conflict?lang=en-us#:~:text=EgyptAir%20announced%20on%20Sunday%2C%20June,and%20security%20of%20its%20passengers." target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a></span> released Sunday by the State Information Service.</p>
<p>The airline said the suspension aims to prioritize passenger safety as instability continues across the region. “In light of recent developments and to safeguard the wellbeing of travelers, EgyptAir has decided to suspend operations to Beirut, Amman, Baghdad, and Erbil,” the company said in a statement.</p>
<p>The carrier noted that flights will remain grounded until further notice and will resume only once conditions are deemed safe.</p>
<p>The move follows a sharp rise in military strikes involving <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://ikurd.net/iran-strikes-israel-missiles-2025-06-13">Israel and Iran</a></strong></span>, prompting a number of airlines in the region to review or cancel scheduled flights.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Iraq has extended its airspace shutdown amid the ongoing conflict. Ahmed Hoshyar, director of Erbil International Airport, said that the continued halt in air traffic in Iraq is estimated to cost the country around $270,000 each day.</p>
<p>The airspace restriction has impacted both passenger travel and cargo movement throughout Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region. Authorities have not provided a timeline for when normal operations may resume.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">(With files from Agencies)</span></p>
<p>Copyright © 2025 iKurd.net. All rights reserved</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ikurd.net/egyptair-suspends-flights-iraq-2025-06-16">EgyptAir suspends flights to Iraq and Kurdistan</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ikurd.net">iKurd News</a>.</p>
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		<title>Iraq reports 650 planes passing through its airspace every day: ministry</title>
		<link>https://ikurd.net/iraq-reports-650-planes-2025-03-17</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editorial Team]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2025 08:00:52 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Tourism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aviation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ikurd.net/?p=131183</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Increase in Aircraft Traffic Over Iraq Amid Airspace Expansion BAGHDAD,— The Iraqi Ministry of Transport announced on Monday that the number of aircraft crossing, landing, and departing from Iraqi airspace has significantly increased. This growth is attributed to enhanced stability and improvements in the country&#8217;s civil aviation sector. The Ministry&#8217;s media office confirmed that the [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ikurd.net/iraq-reports-650-planes-2025-03-17">Iraq reports 650 planes passing through its airspace every day: ministry</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ikurd.net">iKurd News</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_131188" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-131188" style="width: 450px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-131188" src="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Airplane-landing-airport-2023-cc-niklas-jeromin-pexels-com.jpg" alt="Iraq reports 650 planes passing through its airspace every day" width="450" height="360" srcset="https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Airplane-landing-airport-2023-cc-niklas-jeromin-pexels-com.jpg 450w, https://ikurd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Airplane-landing-airport-2023-cc-niklas-jeromin-pexels-com-300x240.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-131188" class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Creative Commons/Niklas Jeromin/pexels</figcaption></figure>
<p data-start="0" data-end="75"><strong data-start="0" data-end="73">Increase in Aircraft Traffic Over Iraq Amid Airspace Expansion</strong></p>
<p data-start="77" data-end="577"><strong>BAGHDAD</strong>,— The Iraqi Ministry of Transport announced on Monday that the number of aircraft crossing, landing, and departing from Iraqi airspace has significantly increased.</p>
<p data-start="77" data-end="577">This growth is attributed to enhanced stability and improvements in the country&#8217;s civil aviation sector. The Ministry&#8217;s media office confirmed that the rise in air traffic, now reaching 600 to 650 flights per day, is the result of efforts to expand civil airspace, particularly by reducing military airspace restrictions.</p>
<p data-start="579" data-end="836"><a href="https://motrans.gov.iq/?article=2831" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #333333; text-decoration: underline;">According to a statement</span></span></a> from the Ministry, the General Company for Air Navigation has played a key role in this development. The company has worked on enlarging the airspace allocated for civil aviation, which has facilitated the increase in air traffic.</p>
<p data-start="838" data-end="1201">The Ministry also announced plans to further improve air navigation infrastructure, including the acquisition of two new radar systems. These radars, one for the western region and the other for Basra Airport, will improve air traffic management and monitoring. The Ministry revealed that the radars will be provided through a contract with international firms.</p>
<p data-start="1203" data-end="1742">Additionally, New Zealand-based Radiola, a company specializing in aviation safety, has confirmed the effectiveness of the existing landing navigation devices. This validation has allowed the Ministry to continue its expansion plans.</p>
<p data-start="1203" data-end="1742">As part of ongoing efforts to upgrade air navigation infrastructure, the Ministry is also working on installing a new Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Baghdad International Airport. The new system will be installed alongside the current one, enhancing the safety and accuracy of landings and takeoffs.</p>
<p data-start="1744" data-end="2263">Baghdad International Airport is undergoing extensive rehabilitation and expansion, with improvements to infrastructure and air navigation systems.</p>
<p data-start="1744" data-end="2263">These efforts are part of a broader plan that includes the development of Nasiriyah International Airport, which is expected to open later this year.</p>
<p data-start="1744" data-end="2263">Work on Mosul International Airport is also advancing, with completion expected by mid-year. The airport will feature modern navigation systems, including radars and ILS, sourced from French and international companies.</p>
<p data-start="2265" data-end="2600">The Ministry emphasized that the completion of these projects, along with the construction of Nasiriyah, Mosul, and Karbala International Airports, will position Iraq as a major regional <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://ikurd.net/category/kurdistan/business-kurdistan/aviation">aviation</a></strong></span> hub.</p>
<p data-start="2265" data-end="2600">These developments are expected to strengthen Iraq’s role as an important air corridor for both global markets and regional tourism.</p>
<p data-start="2283" data-end="2754" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">Copyright © 2025 iKurd.net. All rights reserved</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ikurd.net/iraq-reports-650-planes-2025-03-17">Iraq reports 650 planes passing through its airspace every day: ministry</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ikurd.net">iKurd News</a>.</p>
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