Iraq
Risk Level: Two - Danger exists
[ about risk levels ]
March 2026: Iraqi airspace (ORBB/Baghdad FIR) is currently closed following large-scale US and Israeli strikes on Iranian military targets beginning Feb 28 and subsequent Iranian retaliation across the region. Iraq lies directly between Israel and Iran and has been heavily affected by missile and drone activity during the current escalation.
See OPSGROUP Briefing: Middle East airspace situation - March 2026
Even aside from the current conflict, there are longstanding risks to civil aircraft in Iraqi airspace. Several countries advise against operating in the ORBB/Baghdad FIR at lower flight levels, with some allowing limited overflights only at higher altitudes on specific routes.
The primary risk is missile and drone activity transiting the FIR during regional conflicts, as well as the potential for misidentification by air defence systems operated by both local and foreign military forces active in the country. There is also an ongoing threat from terrorist groups possessing portable anti-aircraft weaponry. While eastern airways UM860 and UM688 have historically been used by international traffic at higher altitudes, the risk to civil aircraft exists throughout the FIR.

Major events:
March 2026: ORBB/Baghdad FIR closed following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation across the region.
June 2025: Airspace closed following Israeli missile attack on Iran; missiles and drones transited Iraqi airspace.
Apr 2024: Airspace closed due to Iran drone and missile strike on Israel.
Apr 2023: Several drone and missile attacks in northern Iraq launched from Turkey and Iran, including strikes near ORSU and ORER.
Oct 2021: US operators permitted to overfly the ORBB/Baghdad FIR above FL320 under updated FAA restrictions.
See OPSGROUP Briefing: Middle East airspace situation - March 2026
Even aside from the current conflict, there are longstanding risks to civil aircraft in Iraqi airspace. Several countries advise against operating in the ORBB/Baghdad FIR at lower flight levels, with some allowing limited overflights only at higher altitudes on specific routes.
The primary risk is missile and drone activity transiting the FIR during regional conflicts, as well as the potential for misidentification by air defence systems operated by both local and foreign military forces active in the country. There is also an ongoing threat from terrorist groups possessing portable anti-aircraft weaponry. While eastern airways UM860 and UM688 have historically been used by international traffic at higher altitudes, the risk to civil aircraft exists throughout the FIR.

Major events:
March 2026: ORBB/Baghdad FIR closed following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation across the region.
June 2025: Airspace closed following Israeli missile attack on Iran; missiles and drones transited Iraqi airspace.
Apr 2024: Airspace closed due to Iran drone and missile strike on Israel.
Apr 2023: Several drone and missile attacks in northern Iraq launched from Turkey and Iran, including strikes near ORSU and ORER.
Oct 2021: US operators permitted to overfly the ORBB/Baghdad FIR above FL320 under updated FAA restrictions.
Current warnings list :
| Source | Reference | Issued | Valid to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | Notam LFFF F0380/26 | 03 Mar 2026 | 12 Mar 2026 | |
| Italy | Notam LIRR E2880/25 | 16 Dec 2025 | 15 Mar 2026 | |
| France | AIC 002/26 | 28 Aug 2025 | Ongoing | |
| EASA | CZIB 2017-04R19 | 07 Jul 2025 | 30 Apr 2026 | |
| Iraq | Notam ORBB A0664/25 | 11 Mar 2025 | 04 Feb 2026 | |
| USA | SFAR 77 | 16 Oct 2024 | 31 Oct 2027 | |
| USA | FAA Information Note Iraq | 06 Oct 2022 | Ongoing | |
| UK | UK AIP ENR 1.1 (1.4.5) | 12 Sep 2022 | Ongoing | |
| Germany | AIC 08/25 | 02 Sep 2022 | Ongoing | |
| Canada | AIC 21/25 | 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: France
Reference: Notam LFFF F0380/26
Issued: 03-Mar-26, valid until: 12 Mar 2026
Plain English: French operators should not enter the airspace of Iraq.
F0380/26 NOTAMN
Q) LFXX/QXXXX/I /BO /E /000/999/4412N00040E460
A) LFBB LFEE LFFF LFMM LFRR B) 2603030838 C) 2603112359
E) 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 02/26 CURRENTLY IN EFFECT.
Q) LFXX/QXXXX/I /BO /E /000/999/4412N00040E460
A) LFBB LFEE LFFF LFMM LFRR B) 2603030838 C) 2603112359
E) 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 02/26 CURRENTLY IN EFFECT.
Source: Italy
Reference: Notam LIRR E2880/25
Issued: 16-Dec-25, valid until: 15 Mar 2026
Plain English: Italian operators should not enter the ORBB/Baghdad FIR below 25000 feet AGL.
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 HEIGHT 25000 FEET AGL AND ACCORDING TO EASA SAFETY DIRECTIVES.
Source: France
Reference: AIC 002/26
Issued: 28-Aug-25, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: French operators overflying the ORBB/Baghdad FIR should only be on airways M860/L602/L718 northbound, or UM688 southbound, at or above FL320.
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
- 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
Source: EASA
Reference: CZIB 2017-04R19
Issued: 07-Jul-25, valid until: 30 Apr 2026
Plain English: EASA recommends not to operate in the airspace of Iraq below FL320.
This CZIB is issued based on information currently available to EASA, Member States 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.
In spite of the 24 June 2025 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, the airspace over Iraq (ORBB/FIR Baghdad) continues to be affected by conflict-related risks due to ongoing presence and operations of violent non state actors, in particular Iranian-backed militant groups (IBMGs).
Violent non-state actors (VNSA) in Iraq maintain the capability and intent to conduct military operations which has been confirmed by the recent events with the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or short-range missiles. The presence of military assets, activation of air defence systems and ongoing VNSAs activity increase the likelihood of misidentification or unintended escalation.
During the recent Iran – Israel conflict, Iraqi authorities have taken measures to address airspace risks by implementing temporary airspace closures and restrictions. However, a sudden resumption of hostilities, due to their unpredictable nature, could pose challenges to the timely and effective implementation of such measures. Additionally, Iraq's ability to ensure effective control over its airspace is constrained by limited coordination mechanisms and a fragmented security environment.
In addition, due to the presence of violent non-state actors with the capability to employ short range ballistic missiles, rockets and drones - as well as the deployment and use of air defence systems - there is a high risk of misidentification of civil aircraft and possibly intentional targeting, especially for operations below FL320.
EASA, 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 affected airspace below FL320;
2. Closely monitor airspace developments and ensure that up to date risk assessment is in place, together with high level of contingency planning for operations at all altitudes over Iraqi airspace, taking into consideration available data on time and areas particularly exposed to potential risks;
3. Follow all available aeronautical publications concerning the region issued by or on behalf of Iraq and by the Aviation Authorities of the neighbouring States, including information shared through the European Information Sharing and Cooperation Platform on Conflict Zones, alongside available guidance or direction from their national authorities.
In spite of the 24 June 2025 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, the airspace over Iraq (ORBB/FIR Baghdad) continues to be affected by conflict-related risks due to ongoing presence and operations of violent non state actors, in particular Iranian-backed militant groups (IBMGs).
Violent non-state actors (VNSA) in Iraq maintain the capability and intent to conduct military operations which has been confirmed by the recent events with the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or short-range missiles. The presence of military assets, activation of air defence systems and ongoing VNSAs activity increase the likelihood of misidentification or unintended escalation.
During the recent Iran – Israel conflict, Iraqi authorities have taken measures to address airspace risks by implementing temporary airspace closures and restrictions. However, a sudden resumption of hostilities, due to their unpredictable nature, could pose challenges to the timely and effective implementation of such measures. Additionally, Iraq's ability to ensure effective control over its airspace is constrained by limited coordination mechanisms and a fragmented security environment.
In addition, due to the presence of violent non-state actors with the capability to employ short range ballistic missiles, rockets and drones - as well as the deployment and use of air defence systems - there is a high risk of misidentification of civil aircraft and possibly intentional targeting, especially for operations below FL320.
EASA, 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 affected airspace below FL320;
2. Closely monitor airspace developments and ensure that up to date risk assessment is in place, together with high level of contingency planning for operations at all altitudes over Iraqi airspace, taking into consideration available data on time and areas particularly exposed to potential risks;
3. Follow all available aeronautical publications concerning the region issued by or on behalf of Iraq and by the Aviation Authorities of the neighbouring States, including information shared through the European Information Sharing and Cooperation Platform on Conflict Zones, alongside available guidance or direction from their national authorities.
Source: Iraq
Reference: Notam ORBB A0664/25
Issued: 11-Mar-25, valid until: 04 Feb 2026
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.
Source: USA
Reference: SFAR 77
Issued: 16-Oct-24, valid until: 31 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: 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.
Click the link for full text.
Click the link for full text.
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.
UK civil air operators are recommended not to enter FIR BAGHDAD (ORBB) below FL 320. Potential risk from anti-aircraft weaponry.
Source: Germany
Reference: AIC 08/25
Issued: 02-Sep-22, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: German operators should not overfly the ORBB/Baghdad FIR below FL280.
Level 2 warning (medium).
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.
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.
Source: Canada
Reference: AIC 21/25
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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