Anticipated changes in Iraq’s regional air corridors due to undeclared military activity
Anticipated changes in Iraq’s regional air corridors due to undeclared military activity
2026-11-06
Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed source reported on Friday that temporary changes have been made to the air routes leading to Türkiye, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Kirkuk, due to military operations whose nature has not yet been revealed.
The source told Shafaq News Agency that the changes include adopting alternative air corridors to the current routes, with their implementation to begin at dawn on November 7 and continue until dawn on November 11.
He added that the nature of the military operations that necessitated these changes remains undisclosed.
In this context, an international navigational warning (NOTAM) was issued imposing temporary restrictions on air traffic in Iraqi airspace, including transit aircraft, as well as flights to or from four main airports, namely Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Kirkuk airports.
According to the notice, aircraft will be required to adhere to specific flight paths during the daily restriction period, which extends from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., noting that these measures may be related to military operations.
Meanwhile, the Security Media Cell commented on this news, stressing that this information does not reflect the reality of the measures taken.
The cell stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that what happened was the designation of a very limited airspace for purely training purposes, within the annual firing exercise carried out by the Air Defense Command for its various weapons, noting that this does not represent a closure of Iraqi airspace or a restriction on air traffic in general.
She explained that the security situation throughout the country is stable, and that the security institutions continue to perform their duties in accordance with the approved plans and procedures, while continuing to monitor developments and take what is necessary to maintain the security and safety of citizens.
Earlier today, the Iranian military confirmed that any new aggression, adventure, or hostile acts in the region will not lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. An Iranian military spokesman said that the only way to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is for the United States to comply with Tehran’s seven conditions.
US President Donald Trump held a meeting with his top national security advisors for the first time since the US election results were announced to discuss the Iran issue, according to Axios on Friday.
The website stated in its report that Trump is currently considering three options: launching strikes, continuing to economically strangle the Iranian regime, or reaching an agreement that includes major concessions to the Iranians.
shafaq.com
