FRENCH AIR CARRIERS AND CAPTAINS OF AIRCRAFT IN CHARGE OF AIR SERVICES OPERATED BY CARRIERS HOLDING AN OPERATING LICENSE ISSUED BY FRANCE, WHETHER THEY ARE CONTRACTUAL CARRIERS AND/OR OPERATING CARRIERS, OR PERFORMING AIR SERVICES THROUGH A WET LEASE OR A CODESHARE AGREEMENT AS WELL AS FOR ANY FLIGHT MADE WITH AN AIRCRAFT REGISTERED IN FRANCE ARE REQUESTED NOT TO PENETRATE INTO THE ENTIRE AIRSPACE OF IRAQ (FIR BAGHDAD (ORBB)). THIS NOTAM SUPERSEDES THE RESTRICTIONS CONCERNING IRAQ AIRSPACE (FIR BAGHDAD (ORBB)) ISSUED IN PARAGRAPH 3.2 IRAQ OF THE AIC NR A011/26 CURRENTLY IN EFFECT.

GPS JAMMING OR SPOOFING INTERFERENCE WITHIN THE NORTHERN PART OF IRAQ. OPERATORS SHOULD INFORM ATC IMMEDIATELY AND EXPECT RADAR VECTORING.

ITALIAN AIR CARRIERS AND CAPTAINS OF AIRCRAFT IN CHARGE OF AIR SERVICES OPERATED BY CARRIERS HOLDING AN OPERATING LICENSE ISSUED BY ITALY, WHETHER THEY ARE CONTRACTUAL CARRIERS AND/OR OPERATING CARRIERS, OR PERFORMING AIR SERVICES THROUGH A WET LEASE OR A CODESHARE AGREEMENT AS WELL AS FOR ANY FLIGHT MADE WITH AN AIRCRAFT REGISTERED IN ITALY ARE RECOMMENDED TO AVOID BAGHDAD FIR (ORBB) ACCORDING TO EASA SAFETY DIRECTIVES.

This CZIB is issued based on information currently available to EASA, the European Commission and Member States in order to share information which is considered necessary to ensure the safety of flights over zones of interest and indicate areas of high risk.


On 28 February 2026, the United States and Israel conducted military strikes targeting sites within Iranian territory. In response, Iran carried out retaliatory attacks. The resulting military conflict created high risks not only to the airspace of Iran but also to that of neighbouring States hosting U.S. military bases or otherwise affected by the hostilities and associated military activities, including interceptions.
 
Despite the temporary ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, Iraqi airspace (ORBB/FIR Baghdad) continues to be affected by conflict-related risks. These risks stem from recurrent Iranian drone and ballistic missile attacks, the activation of air defence systems, and the continued presence and operations of violent non-state actors, in particular Iranian-backed militant groups (IBMGs).
 

Several violent non-state actors (VNSAs) in Iraq retain both the capability and intent to conduct military operations. The presence of military assets, recurrent air defence activity, and ongoing VNSA operations increase the likelihood of misidentification or unintended escalation, creating a high risk to civil aviation in Iraqi airspace at all altitudes and flight levels.
 

During the recent US - Iran conflict, Iraqi authorities have taken measures to address airspace risks by implementing temporary airspace closures and restrictions. However, due to the unpredictable nature of Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks, the timely and effective implementation of such measures cannot be relied upon. Additionally, Iraq's ability to ensure effective control over its airspace is constrained by limited coordination mechanisms and a fragmented security environment.
 

EASA, together with the Commission and Member States, will continue to closely monitor the situation, with a view to assess whether there is an increase or decrease of the risk for EU aircraft operators due to the evolution of the threat and risk situation.
 

Air operators should:
1. Not operate within the airspace of Iraq, FIR Baghdad (ORBB), at all altitudes and flight levels;
2. Closely monitor airspace developments in the region and follow all available aeronautical publications, in particular airspace closures or restrictions issued by State authorities, alongside available guidance or direction from their national authorities including information shared through the European Information Sharing and Cooperation Platform on Conflict Zones.

From 28/08/2025 and until further notice, pilots in command of aircraft performing air services mentioned in paragraph 1.1 are requested:
- Not to penetrate into the airspace of Iraq (ORBB FIR (BAGDAD)), except for routes M860 (between GADSI and NINVA), M688, L602
(between TASMI and ALPET) and L718 (between ALPET and KABAN) on which a flight level above or equal to FL320 is requested to
be maintained at all times.
- To maintain at all times a flight level above or equal to FL320 on the following direct trajectories:
• Northbound : TASMI – L602 – ALPET – L718 – DEBNI DCT SEVKU – L718 - KABAN
• Northbound : TASMI – L602 – GADSI – M860 - SEPTU DCT VUSEB - M860 – NINVA
• Southbound : RATVO – M688 – KEDIM DCT SISIN - M688 – SIDAD

This action extends the prohibition against certain flight operations in the Baghdad Flight Information Region (FIR) (ORBB) at altitudes below Flight Level (FL) 320 by all: U.S. air carriers; U.S. commercial operators; persons exercising the privileges of an airman certificate issued by the FAA, except when such persons are operating U.S.-registered aircraft for a foreign air carrier; and operators of U.S.-registered civil aircraft, except when the operator of such aircraft is a foreign air carrier, for an additional three years, from October 26, 2024, to October 26, 2027. The FAA finds this action necessary to address the unacceptable level of risk to the safety of U.S. civil aviation operations in the Baghdad FIR (ORBB) at altitudes below FL320 from Iranian-aligned militia groups' (IAMGs') activities and third-party military operations that are not likely to be effectively deconflicted with civil aviation. The FAA also republishes the approval process and exemption information for this Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR), consistent with other recently published flight prohibition SFARs.

Title: FAA Information Note - Iraq - Violence Poses Elevated Risk to Civil Aviation amidst Political Turmoil.

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Security - Hazardous Situation in Iraq

UK civil air operators are recommended not to enter FIR BAGHDAD (ORBB) below FL 320. Potential risk from anti-aircraft weaponry.

Level 2 warning (Medium).
SECURITY - HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN IRAQ
Civil German air operators are recommended not to enter FIR BAGHDAD (ORBB) below FL280. Potential risk from military operations, anti-aviation weaponry and terrorist attacks. Civil German air operators are advised to take potential risk into account in their risk assessment and routing decisions within FIR BAGHDAD (ORBB) at and above FL280. Potential risk from anti- aviation weaponry.

Level 2 (Recommendation)
SECURITY – HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN IRAQ. Canadian Air Operators and owners of aircraft registered in Canada are recommended to maintain a flight level equal to or above flight level FL320 in FIR Baghdad (ORBB). Potential risk from anti- aviation weaponry and military operations.

Title: FAA Information Note - Iraq - Weaponized UAS Attack against U.S. Interests at Baghdad International Airport.

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Title: FAA Information Note - Iraq - Attacks on US Interests in Iraq

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Title: FAA Information Note - Iraq - Rocket Attack Hits Baghdad International Airport.

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Title: FAA Information Note - Iraq - UAS Attack against Erbil Air Base.

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