31/01/2025 - The CZIB validity was extended until 31 July 2025. No changes to the content.
Referenced publication(s):
Aeronautical Publications issued by or on behalf of Iraq, by the Aviation Authorities of the neighbouring States and by the State of Operator.
Iraq airspace.
This CZIB is issued on the basis of information available to EU Member States and EU institutions.
Due to the hazardous security situation, with the presence of violent non-state actors and ongoing military operations including short-range ballistic missiles, rockets and drones strikes in the north-eastern part of Iraq, there is a risk of both intentional targeting and misidentification of civil aircraft.
While unannounced rocket and missile launches that transit airspace used by civilian aircraft pose a latent threat to operations at all altitudes, the overall risk to operations is assessed to be HIGH at altitudes below FL 320.
Air operators are recommended to:
- Not conduct flights below FL 320, due to the presence of various anti-aircraft weaponry and unannounced missiles and drones strikes;
- Closely monitor airspace developments and ensure that robust risk assessment is in place, together with high level of contingency planning for operations at all altitudes over Iraqi airspace, taking into consideration available data on time and areas particularly exposed to potential risks;
- Follow all available aeronautical publications concerning the region issued by or on behalf of Iraq and by the Aviation Authorities of the neighbouring States, including information shared through the European Information Sharing and Cooperation Platform on Conflict Zones, alongside available guidance or direction from their national authorities.
