Latest news with #GeneralCompanyforAirNavigationServices
Iraqi News
26-07-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Seven international airlines return to Iraq's airspace
Baghdad ( – The General Company for Air Navigation Services, part of Iraq's Ministry of Transport, announced on Monday (July 28, 2025) that seven international airlines have returned to Iraqi airspace. This development reflects increasing international confidence in the navigation services provided by the company and its full commitment to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, said Abbas Sabbar Al-Baydhani, Director General of the General Company for Air Navigation Services. He added that the return of these airlines indicates the rapidly evolving relationship between Iraq and global air transport companies. Prominent international airlines that have returned to Iraqi airspace include German Cargo, Swiss Air, Lufthansa AirX, Qantas Airline, Giant Cargo, LOT Polish Airlines, and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. Al-Baydhani emphasized this growth reflects increasing trust in the competence of Iraqi air traffic controllers and the technical and operational capabilities of the company. The company continues to implement development and modernization plans for infrastructure and navigation equipment. Its goal is to provide top-tier services to airlines and strengthen Iraq's position as a crucial regional and international air corridor. This achievement comes with direct support from Minister of Transport Razzaq Muhaibas Al-Saadawi, who has directed the enhancement of Iraq's navigational standing and the development of its technical services since assuming his duties. It also highlights the diligent efforts of the General Company for Air Navigation Services and Iraqi air traffic controllers to elevate performance and ensure the highest levels of safety and fluidity in air traffic management.
Iraq Business
09-07-2025
- Business
- Iraq Business
Iraqi Air Traffic Rises Sharply in June
By John Lee. The Ministry of Transport has released air traffic statistics for June, highlighting a notable increase in civil aviation activity across Iraq's airports. According to the General Company for Air Navigation Services, Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) recorded the highest volume of arriving and departing flights. In total, 10,812 transit flights crossed Iraqi airspace during the month, while international and domestic departures reached 2,287, and arrivals totalled 2,259. Dr Abbas Sabah Al-Baydani, Director General of the General Company for Air Navigation Services, noted that directives from Transport Minister Razzaq Muhaibis Al-Saadawi have focused on improving airport infrastructure and operational efficiency, enhancing service quality for travellers and contributing to national economic growth. The Ministry also reported a recent surge in daily overflights, now exceeding 700 per day - the highest in years - marking a return of operational significance to Iraqi airspace despite ongoing regional security challenges. (Source: Ministry of Transport)
Shafaq News
21-06-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Aerial crisis: Iraq losing millions daily due to Iran-Israel conflict
Shafaq News/ Iraqi officials and aviation sources warned that the full closure of Iraqi airspace since June 13, amid the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, is costing the country millions of dollars each day. The shutdown has halted overflight traffic and inflicted heavy losses on local airlines and airports. Previously, around 700 aircraft flights — including passenger and cargo — traversed Iraqi skies daily. Overflight fees averaged $450 per passenger flight and $700 for cargo planes, according to aviation data. In May, the General Company for Air Navigation Services recorded 19,841 transit flights, a record figure highlighting Iraq's growing role as a regional aviation hub, its general manager, Abbas Sabbar Al-Baydani, commented. 'Direct losses from halted overflights exceed $250,000 per day,' remarked Amer Abdul-Jabbar, a member of Iraq's parliamentary transport committee, cautioning that this did not account for indirect losses faced by airlines, airports, and ground services. In the south, Basra Airport has run only 13 flights since the crisis began. Baghdad, Najaf, and Erbil airports have seen partial or full suspensions. Self-funded local carriers such as Iraqi Airways and Fly Baghdad are also struggling financially. Parliamentary and governmental sources note that overflight and operational revenues fund staff salaries and allowances, which are at risk if the closure persists. Flight tracking analysis by FlightRadar24 showed that the closure of Iraqi and Iranian airspace has redirected flights over Saudi Arabia, doubling flight counts from 700 to 1,400 per day. Flights over Afghanistan surged by 500%, causing international carriers like Qatar Airways and FlyDubai to reroute via Pakistan and Afghanistan — adding approximately two hours to some journeys. Iraq's civil aviation network includes key airports in Baghdad, Erbil, Najaf, and Basra, which serve as vital sources of non-oil revenue from overflight fees, ground services, and cargo operations. Despite recent growth in air traffic, the sector faces challenges in modernization and route expansion amid security and political instability. Analysts warn that a prolonged airspace closure could deepen economic pressures, weaken Iraq's national aviation sector, and leave airlines ill-equipped to absorb the financial shock.
Iraq Business
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Iraq Business
Iraq Suspends Air Traffic, Closes Airspace
By John Lee. The Iraqi Ministry of Transport has confirmed the suspension of all air traffic and the temporary closure of Iraqi airspace until further notice, citing regional security tensions and the need to safeguard civil aviation. According to a statement from the Ministry's Media Office, the General Company for Air Navigation Services began a phased clearing of Iraqi airspace early this morning, suspending all inbound, outbound, and overflying flights. Iraqi Airways has also halted all its flights as a precautionary measure, reaffirming its commitment to passenger safety. The Ministry emphasised that the decision will remain in effect until a reassessment deems conditions safe for the resumption of operations. The decision follows Israel's attack on targets in Iran this morning, which has been condemned by the Iraqi government. (Source: Iraqi Ministry of Transport)
Iraqi News
10-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Iraq: Unprecedented increase in aircraft transiting Iraqi airspace
The Iraqi Ministry of Transport – General Company for Air Navigation Services announced on Saturday a record and unprecedented increase in the number of aircraft crossing Iraqi airspace. "In a qualitative development that embodies Iraq's return to its natural position on the global air transport map, the General Company for Air Navigation Services recorded an unprecedented increase in the number of aircraft crossing Iraqi airspace, reflecting the country's transformation into a breathing lung for international air traffic," according to a statement from the Ministry - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA. The statement added, "This progress is the result of sound strategic plans developed by the Iraqi government, headed by Muhammed S. al-Sudani, and under the direct supervision of the Minister of Transport, Razzaq Al-Saadawi, who closely followed efforts to develop air navigation and enhance its operational efficiency." The General Company for Air Navigation "has been able to develop its technical and technological capabilities in line with Iraq's geopolitical importance, as a meeting point between continents, a bridge linking East and West, and an indispensable corridor for global civil aviation traffic," highlighted the statement. "The General Company for Air Navigation Services has achieved a qualitative leap in the number of overflight flights, as the daily average increased from 300 to 350, then to 450, then to 550 and 600, currently reaching more than 700 flights per day, a clear indication of the growing international confidence in Iraqi airspace." The statement also noted that "expectations indicate that this growth will continue as a result of ongoing development steps." "The mobilization of the company's human and technical crews enabled the management of this unprecedented volume of air traffic with high efficiency and extreme precision, as Iraqi air traffic controllers demonstrated professional skills that rival the best international systems, approving the national readiness to deal with the changing challenges in the international aviation space," said the Director General of Air Navigation, Abbas Al-Baydani. He pointed out that "Many European airlines, most notably Air France, have chosen Iraqi airspace as a primary corridor for their flights, taking advantage of Iraq's central location and reliability. Its air traffic control services have proven highly efficient." "The General Air Navigation Company continues to implement its plans to develop navigation services, in coordination with the International Civil Aviation Organization - ICAO, and to work on modernizing takeoff and landing systems at most Iraqi airports, in addition to enhancing the use of civilian airspace. It is a scientific indicator of the growing operational attractiveness of Iraqi airspace to major international airlines," he added. He stated that "in a calculated scientific move, the company expanded civilian airspace at the expense of military airspace, providing wider and safer routes for aircraft and accommodating the increased flow of overflights. Experts described this as a "qualitative shift in airspace management according to the highest standards of joint use."
