Commercial aviation restrictions over Iraq are extended by the US until 2027

On Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration extended the restrictions on commercial airlines over Iraq for U.S. flights for an additional three years, citing concerns regarding flight safety.

The agency is extending the prohibition against aircraft below specific altitudes until October 2027, citing risk from Iranian-aligned militia groups and third-party military operations. The restrictions also apply to foreign operators that operate as code share flights for U.S. carriers.

Last month, Air Canada (AC.TO) was fined $250,000 by the U.S. Transportation Department for operating flights in prohibited Iraqi airspace in 2022 and 2023.