EU Maintains Flight Ban on Iraqi Carriers

Iraq Business

2 days ago

By John Lee.
The European Union (EU) has confirmed it will maintain operational restrictions on Iraqi air carriers following a technical review that found insufficient progress in the country's aviation safety oversight capabilities.
Iraqi Airways and Fly Baghdad remain on the EU's banned carrier list, with both airlines subject to operating restrictions imposed in December 2015 and November 2023 respectively under Commission regulations.
The decision follows a technical meeting held on 23 April 2025 between the European Commission, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, member states and the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA). During discussions, Iraqi officials presented updates on legislative and regulatory framework improvements alongside oversight performance enhancements.
The ICAA outlined ongoing efforts including personnel recruitment, training initiatives and drafting of updated national aviation regulations. However, European officials noted these measures remain in early implementation stages with significant concerns persisting over timing, consistency and alignment with international safety standards.
Critical reforms including adoption of revised primary aviation law and strengthening of safety oversight systems remain incomplete without verifiable outcomes, according to the assessment.
The planned Union on-site assessment visit scheduled for September 2025 has been deemed premature given the need for further demonstrable progress across core aviation safety oversight areas.
Under current arrangements, EU member states must continue prioritising ramp inspections of all Iraqi-certified carriers to verify compliance with international safety standards. The Commission stated it would take further action if safety information reveals imminent risks from non-compliance with international standards.
The restrictions affect commercial operations within European airspace, maintaining safety protocols established under EU aviation safety regulations.
Full statement from European Union.
(Source: EU)