Iraq imposes mandatory air routes on flights from November 7 to 11

Iraqi authorities issued a navigation notice requiring aircraft flying through Iraqi airspace and heading to airports in Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Kirkuk to use designated routes from November 7 to 11, without announcing an official reason for the measure.

Iraqi authorities issued an air navigation notice (NOTAM) requiring all aircraft flying through Iraqi airspace, as well as aircraft bound for several airports in the country, to follow designated flight routes from November 7 to 11.

The measures apply to flights bound for the airports of Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Kirkuk, as well as flights transiting Iraqi airspace. No official reasons for the notice have been announced, and no official explanation has linked it to a specific security or military development.

The measure comes amid ongoing international warnings about the safety of civil aviation in Iraqi airspace against the backdrop of regional tensions. On September 30, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) extended its warning on Iraqi airspace until November 16, 2026, urging European airlines to avoid flying over Iraq at all altitudes.

Entrance to Erbil International Airport (archive photo)

The notice coincides with reports that the U.S. and Israeli militaries are preparing plans for new strikes on Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he would prefer not to destroy what remains of Iran if possible, "but maybe I'll have to do that."