Accra:According to Iraqi News Agency, the Transport Ministry announced a significant 31% increase in overflight traffic through Iraqi airspace. This development follows the resolution of restrictions on previously prohibited airspace zones.

Captain Ihab Saad Kareem, director-general of the State Company for Airports and Air Navigation Management, reported that civil aviation traffic has grown considerably since the announcement on September 18, 2026, which marked the resolution of airspace restrictions.

The number of aircraft crossing Iraqi airspace has risen by approximately 31% compared to the period before the zones were reopened. Furthermore, traffic has continued to rise, surpassing the growth rates seen in the initial days after the reopening.

The restoration of airspace zones for civilian use has improved the flexibility of airspace management in Iraq. This change has offered airlines a broader range of route options, facilitating smoother air traffic flows across the region.

Kareem noted that air traffic indicators are affected by various factors, including airspace management, operational considerations, and regional conditions. Nonetheless, the current data indicates a positive trend in overflight traffic through Iraqi airspace.