Civil aviation authorities in Iraq have officially reopened the country’s airspace for commercial flights, and airports in the Kurdistan Region have begun preparing for full operations. The announcement marks a key step in restoring domestic and regional air travel.
On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Ahmed Hoshyar, Director of Erbil International Airport, confirmed the development. He said, “Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority has informed us that we can resume flights. We have already started preparations to receive passengers and handle incoming flights.”
At the same time, Sulaymaniyah’s Jalal Talabani International Airport issued a statement noting that it had received official clearance from Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority. The airport is now ready to operate flights and welcome travelers after coordinating schedules and finalizing logistics.
According to the public relations departments at both airports, flight routes will follow pre-planned schedules. Airlines are expected to begin regular operations promptly once the flight schedules are set. This coordination ensures a smooth resumption of services and avoids delays for passengers.
Bangan Rekani, spokesperson for Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority, confirmed the reopening. He said, “Starting this evening, Wednesday, all scheduled flights will resume across Iraq’s airports.”
Airports in the Kurdistan Region, including Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Kirkuk, and Mosul, as well as key airports across Iraq such as Baghdad, Najaf, and Basra, are part of the resumption plan. The Civil Aviation Authority emphasized that all airports have coordinated closely to ensure safety and efficiency as flights restart.
This reopening comes after weeks of coordination with airline operators and airport management. Authorities highlighted that all measures are in place to ensure smooth operations and that passengers can expect reliable, safe, and timely service as Iraq and the Kurdistan Region reconnect with domestic and regional air travel networks.
