Iraq
Risk Level: One - Do Not Fly
[ about risk levels ]
June 2025: Major escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran. Ongoing exchange of fire with ballistic missiles, drones and widespread activations of air defence systems. Iran, Israel, Iraq - airspace remains closed to all flights. Jordan, Lebanon, Syria - risk remains high with missiles and drones transiting airspace. Conflict is expected to continue for several weeks.
See OPSGROUP Briefing: Middle East airspace situation – June 2025
Even aside from these recent events, there are high risks to civil aircraft in Iraq. Iraqi airspace (ORBB/Baghdad FIR) should be avoided entirely, except for specific routes and altitudes. Several countries have long-standing airspace warnings advising against operating in Iraqi airspace at the lower flight levels.
The primary risk is intentional targeting by terrorist organisations who possess portable anti-aircraft weaponry. Civil aircraft may also be misidentified by the air defence systems of both local and foreign military who are active in the country. Drone attacks from Turkey and Iran are common in northern Iraq, which could place civil aircraft at risk - especially at ORSU and ORER airports. Airspace warnings issued by foreign aviation authorities allow for overflights at the higher flight levels (and eastern airways UM860 and UM688 are heavily flown international air routes), but there is a clear risk to civil aircraft operating throughout the FIR at all levels.
The secondary risk is from GPS spoofing. Since Sep 2023, OPSGROUP has received several reports of enroute aircraft being targeted with fake GPS signals, leading to complete nav failures.
Major events:
June 2025: Airspace closed following Israeli missile attack on Iran. Missiles and drones may transit Iraqi airspace.
Apr 2024: Airspace closed due to Iran drone/missile strike on Israel.
Sep 2023: Several reports of GPS spoofing in northern Iraq.
Apr 2023: Several instances of drone and missile attacks in northern Iraq, launched from Turkey and Iran. ORSU and ORER airports targeted several times. Turkey closed its airspace to any flight operating to or from ORSU over security concerns.
Oct 2021: US operators can now overfly the ORBB/Baghdad FIR above FL320. KICZ Notam A0036/20 which banned flights at all levels has been cancelled, and the SFAR now applies.
See OPSGROUP Briefing: Middle East airspace situation – June 2025
Even aside from these recent events, there are high risks to civil aircraft in Iraq. Iraqi airspace (ORBB/Baghdad FIR) should be avoided entirely, except for specific routes and altitudes. Several countries have long-standing airspace warnings advising against operating in Iraqi airspace at the lower flight levels.
The primary risk is intentional targeting by terrorist organisations who possess portable anti-aircraft weaponry. Civil aircraft may also be misidentified by the air defence systems of both local and foreign military who are active in the country. Drone attacks from Turkey and Iran are common in northern Iraq, which could place civil aircraft at risk - especially at ORSU and ORER airports. Airspace warnings issued by foreign aviation authorities allow for overflights at the higher flight levels (and eastern airways UM860 and UM688 are heavily flown international air routes), but there is a clear risk to civil aircraft operating throughout the FIR at all levels.
The secondary risk is from GPS spoofing. Since Sep 2023, OPSGROUP has received several reports of enroute aircraft being targeted with fake GPS signals, leading to complete nav failures.
Major events:
June 2025: Airspace closed following Israeli missile attack on Iran. Missiles and drones may transit Iraqi airspace.
Apr 2024: Airspace closed due to Iran drone/missile strike on Israel.
Sep 2023: Several reports of GPS spoofing in northern Iraq.
Apr 2023: Several instances of drone and missile attacks in northern Iraq, launched from Turkey and Iran. ORSU and ORER airports targeted several times. Turkey closed its airspace to any flight operating to or from ORSU over security concerns.
Oct 2021: US operators can now overfly the ORBB/Baghdad FIR above FL320. KICZ Notam A0036/20 which banned flights at all levels has been cancelled, and the SFAR now applies.
Current warnings list :
| Source | Reference | Issued | Valid to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EASA | CZIB 2025-02 | 13 Jun 2025 | Ongoing | |
| France | Notam LFFF F0742/25 | 15 May 2025 | 06 Aug 2025 | |
| Italy | Notam LIRR E0719/25 | 31 Mar 2025 | 29 Jun 2025 | |
| USA | SFAR 77 | 16 Oct 2024 | 26 Oct 2027 | |
| Russia | Notam UUU A6785/24 | 02 Oct 2024 | 03 Nov 2024 | |
| Iraq | Notam ORBB A0310/24 | 03 Aug 2024 | 04 Nov 2024 | |
| USA | FAA Information Note Iraq | 06 Oct 2022 | Ongoing | |
| UK | UK AIP ENR 1.1 (1.4.5) | 12 Sep 2022 | Ongoing | |
| Germany | AIC 04/25 | 02 Sep 2022 | Ongoing | |
| France | AIC 15/24 | 28 Apr 2022 | Ongoing | |
| Canada | AIC 12/25 | 18 Nov 2021 | Ongoing | |
| USA | FAA Information Note Iraq | 15 Jun 2021 | Ongoing | |
| USA | FAA Information Note Iraq | 08 Jun 2021 | Ongoing | |
| USA | FAA Information Note Iraq | 23 Apr 2021 | Ongoing | |
| USA | FAA Information Note Iraq | 15 Apr 2021 | Ongoing |
Source: EASA
Reference: CZIB 2025-02
Issued: 13-Jun-25, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: EASA recommends not to operate in Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan and Lebanon at all levels, due to ongoing military operations.
This CZIB is issued based on information currently available to EASA and the European Commission 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 13 June 2025, Israel conducted a military strike targeting sites within Iranian territory. In response, Iran launched retaliatory attacks.
The ongoing military operations pose high risk not only to the airspace of Iran and Israel but also to that of neighbouring States affected by the hostilities and associated military activities, including interceptions.
The possession of all-altitude capable air-defence systems, cruise and ballistic missiles and the use of air assets capable to operate at all-altitudes, including interception capability beyond the borders of Iran and Israel make the entire affected airspace vulnerable to spill-over risks, misidentification, miscalculation and failure of interception procedures.
In terms of airspace management, most of the States concerned have taken measures to address existing airspace risks by implementing temporary airspace closures and restrictions.
However, there is uncertainty on the continued ability to timely adopt such mitigating measures. The situation remains volatile, with a heightened risk of further military action, whether through direct strikes or broader regional involvement.
Given the current and expected developments, there is thus a high risk to civil aviation in the airspace of Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon.
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.
EASA recommends not to operate within the affected airspace at all flight levels.
On 13 June 2025, Israel conducted a military strike targeting sites within Iranian territory. In response, Iran launched retaliatory attacks.
The ongoing military operations pose high risk not only to the airspace of Iran and Israel but also to that of neighbouring States affected by the hostilities and associated military activities, including interceptions.
The possession of all-altitude capable air-defence systems, cruise and ballistic missiles and the use of air assets capable to operate at all-altitudes, including interception capability beyond the borders of Iran and Israel make the entire affected airspace vulnerable to spill-over risks, misidentification, miscalculation and failure of interception procedures.
In terms of airspace management, most of the States concerned have taken measures to address existing airspace risks by implementing temporary airspace closures and restrictions.
However, there is uncertainty on the continued ability to timely adopt such mitigating measures. The situation remains volatile, with a heightened risk of further military action, whether through direct strikes or broader regional involvement.
Given the current and expected developments, there is thus a high risk to civil aviation in the airspace of Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon.
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.
EASA recommends not to operate within the affected airspace at all flight levels.
Source: France
Reference: Notam LFFF F0742/25
Issued: 15-May-25, valid until: 06 Aug 2025
Plain English: French operators overflying the ORBB/Baghdad FIR should only be on airways M860 or L602/L718 northbound or M688 southbound, at or above FL320.
DUE TO THE AMENDMENT OF THE IRAQI AIP RENAMING CERTAIN AIR ROUTES AND PUBLICATION OF NOTAM A0323/25 MODIFYING DIRECT ROUTES IN IRAQI AIRSPACE (BAGHDAD FIR (ORBB)), 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 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 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 NOTAM SUPERSEDES THE RESTRICTIONS CONCERNING IRAQ AIRSPACE (FIR BAGDAD (ORBB)) ISSUED IN PARAGRAPH 3.2 'IRAQ' OF THE AIC NR A15/24 CURRENTLY IN EFFECT. 15 MAY 16:02 2025 UNTIL 05 AUG 23:59 2025. CREATED: 15 MAY 16:03 2025
- 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 NOTAM SUPERSEDES THE RESTRICTIONS CONCERNING IRAQ AIRSPACE (FIR BAGDAD (ORBB)) ISSUED IN PARAGRAPH 3.2 'IRAQ' OF THE AIC NR A15/24 CURRENTLY IN EFFECT. 15 MAY 16:02 2025 UNTIL 05 AUG 23:59 2025. CREATED: 15 MAY 16:03 2025
Source: Italy
Reference: Notam LIRR E0719/25
Issued: 31-Mar-25, valid until: 29 Jun 2025
Plain English: Italian operators should maintain FL320 or above in the ORBB/Baghdad FIR due to the risk from anti-aircraft weaponry.
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) BELOW FL320. 31 MAR 10:07 2025 UNTIL 28 JUN 23:59 2025 ESTIMATED. CREATED: 31 MAR 10:08 2025
Source: USA
Reference: SFAR 77
Issued: 16-Oct-24, valid until: 26 Oct 2027
Plain English: US operators are prohibited from overflying the ORBB/Baghdad FIR below FL320 due to risks posed by terrorist and military activity.
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.
Source: Russia
Reference: Notam UUU A6785/24
Issued: 02-Oct-24, valid until: 03 Nov 2024
Plain English: Russia has banned its operators from flying at night (between 16-06z) in the airspace of Israel, Iran, and Iraq.
ATTENTION TO RUSSIAN OPERATORS. DUE TO THREAT TO SEFETY OF CIVIL ACFT OPS, FLIGHTS TO/FROM AIRPORTS OF ISRAEL AND IRAN AS WELL AS FLIGHTS WI AIRSPACE OF ISRAEL, IRAN AND IRAQ WILL BE SUSPENDED DRG 1600-0600 UTC. OPERATORS ARE RECOMMENDED TO STAY HIGHLY VIGILANT, WHEN PERFORMING FLIGHTS WI AIRSPACE OF THESE COUNTRIES AND USE ALTN ROUTES, PUBLISHED IN NOTAM OF THESE COUNTRIES. 02 OCT 12:30 2024 UNTIL 02 NOV 23:59 2024 ESTIMATED. CREATED: 02 OCT 08:56 2024
Source: Iraq
Reference: Notam ORBB A0310/24
Issued: 03-Aug-24, valid until: 04 Nov 2024
Plain English: Iraq is warning operators to expect GPS jamming and spoofing in the northern part of the country.
GPS JAMMING OR SPOOFING INTERFERENCE WITHIN THE NORTHERN PART OF IRAQ. OPERATORS SHOULD INFORM ATC IMMEDIATELY AND EXPECT RADAR VECTORING. 03 AUG 00:00 2024 UNTIL 02 NOV 23:59 2024. CREATED: 31 JUL 19:13 2024
Source: USA
Reference: FAA Information Note Iraq
Issued: 06-Oct-22, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: Ongoing political turmoil, militant activities, and military operations in Iraq poses an elevated risk to aviation and airspace safety. In recent months, militants have fired rockets in Baghdad’s Green Zone, causing flight disruptions at nearby ORBI/Baghdad airport; Iran continues to target northern Iraq with missile and drone attacks; and Turkey has been launching attacks along Iraq’s northern border.
Title: FAA Information Note - Iraq - Violence Poses Elevated Risk to Civil Aviation amidst Political Turmoil.
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Source: UK
Reference: UK AIP ENR 1.1 (1.4.5)
Issued: 12-Sep-22, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: UK operators should not overfly the ORBB/Baghdad FIR below FL320, due to potential risk from anti-aviation weaponry.
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.
Contact UK Department for Transport +44 (0)207-082 6639 or +44 (0)207-944 3111 out of hours.
UK civil air operators are recommended not to enter FIR BAGHDAD (ORBB) below FL 320. Potential risk from anti-aircraft weaponry.
Contact UK Department for Transport +44 (0)207-082 6639 or +44 (0)207-944 3111 out of hours.
Source: Germany
Reference: AIC 04/25
Issued: 02-Sep-22, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: German operators should not overfly the ORBB/Baghdad FIR below FL280.
Level 2 warning (medium). 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 antiaviation weaponry.
Source: France
Reference: AIC 15/24
Issued: 28-Apr-22, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: French operators overflying the ORBB/Baghdad FIR should only be on airways UM860 or UL602/L718 northbound or UM688 southbound, at or above FL320.
From 28/04/2022 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 UM860 (between GADSI and NINVA), UM688, UL602 (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.
Subject to the agreement of the organizations providing air traffic control services, it is authorized, always maintaining at all times a flight level above or equal to FL320, to take the following direct trajectories:
Northbound : TASMI – UL602 – ALPET – L718 – DEBNI DCT EMIDO – L718 - KABAN
Northbound : TASMI DCT SEPTU DCT ROXOP - - UM860 – NINVA Southbound : RATVO – UM688 – KEDIM DCT SISIN - UM688 – SIDAD
Subject to the agreement of the organizations providing air traffic control services, it is authorized, always maintaining at all times a flight level above or equal to FL320, to take the following direct trajectories:
Northbound : TASMI – UL602 – ALPET – L718 – DEBNI DCT EMIDO – L718 - KABAN
Northbound : TASMI DCT SEPTU DCT ROXOP - - UM860 – NINVA Southbound : RATVO – UM688 – KEDIM DCT SISIN - UM688 – SIDAD
Source: Canada
Reference: AIC 12/25
Issued: 18-Nov-21, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: Canadian operators should not overfly the ORBB/Baghdad FIR below FL320, due to the potential risk from anti- aviation weaponry and military operations.
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.
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.
Source: USA
Reference: FAA Information Note Iraq
Issued: 15-Jun-21, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: ORBI/Baghdad airport was targeted by weaponized drones on June 14, for the second time in a week. Local militia continue to show intent to target US interests at airports. This is exposing low level aircraft to risk from rocket and drone activity along with air defence systems.
Title: FAA Information Note - Iraq - Weaponized UAS Attack against U.S. Interests at Baghdad International Airport.
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Source: USA
Reference: FAA Information Note Iraq
Issued: 08-Jun-21, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: Recent rocket and drone attacks on ORBI/Baghdad and a nearby air base. Local militia are showing a renewed intent to target US interests at airports. This is exposing low level aircraft to risk from their activities, along with misidentification or miscalculation by air defence systems.
Title: FAA Information Note - Iraq - Attacks on US Interests in Iraq
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Source: USA
Reference: FAA Information Note Iraq
Issued: 23-Apr-21, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: More weaponised drones and indirect fire attacks are likely across Iraq, increasing the risk to aviation. At least three rockets were fired at ORBI/Baghdad on Apr 22, which wounded one person. Several more unfired rockets were found stashed on the rooftop of a nearby building which overlooks the airport. Iranian backed militia are thought to be responsible and continue to actively target US interests at airports throughout Iraq.
Title: FAA Information Note - Iraq - Rocket Attack Hits Baghdad International Airport.
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Source: USA
Reference: FAA Information Note Iraq
Issued: 15-Apr-21, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: Explosive drone attack by militia on US interests at ORER/Erbil Airport on April 14. It is unique as these kinds of attacks usually use less accurate rockets and mortars. It may signify that militia have increasing access to more sophisticated weapons which may pose a new threat to airports throughout Iraq including ORBI/Baghdad.
Title: FAA Information Note - Iraq - UAS Attack against Erbil Air Base.
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