EASA CZIB CZIB-2026-05
Airspace of Iraq
Summary
The document titled Airspace of Iraq is a safety information bulletin issued by EASA concerning the FIR Baghdad (ORBB) airspace at all altitudes and flight levels. It highlights ongoing conflict-related risks due to military activities and the presence of violent non-state actors, affecting civil aviation safety in Iraqi airspace. The bulletin applies to all air operators subject to Commission Regulation (EU) 965/2012 and third country operators authorized by EASA operating to, from, or within the EU.
What Changed
This new safety information bulletin introduces a formal warning about the high risks in Iraqi airspace resulting from recent military conflicts and ongoing hostilities, including drone and missile attacks and air defense activations. It emphasizes the unpredictable nature of these threats and the limited ability of Iraqi authorities to control the airspace effectively. The bulletin advises operators to avoid the affected airspace and monitor updates closely.
Why It Matters
This bulletin is critical for aviation professionals as it directly impacts flight planning and operational safety for aircraft operating in or near Iraqi airspace. Operators must consider the elevated risk of misidentification or unintended escalation due to military activities and violent non-state actors, which could lead to serious safety incidents. Compliance teams and MROs need to ensure that operational procedures reflect these risks and that crews are fully briefed on the current situation.
What To Do
Air operators should avoid operating within the FIR Baghdad (ORBB) airspace at all altitudes and flight levels until further notice. They must continuously monitor aeronautical publications and official airspace restrictions issued by Iraqi and neighboring states, as well as guidance from their national authorities and EASA. There is no specific compliance deadline other than the validity of the bulletin until 2026-08-31 unless reviewed earlier.
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