31/08/2026, unless reviewed earlier.
Referenced publication(s):
Aeronautical Publications issued by or on behalf of Iraq, by the Aviation Authorities of the neighbouring States and by the State of Operator.
FIR Baghdad (ORBB), all altitudes and flight levels.
Air operators:
- subject to the provisions of Commission Regulation (EU) 965/2012, planning to conduct operations in the affected airspace (EASA operators).
-third Country Operators authorised by EASA, when conducting operations under their TCO authorisation to, from and within the EU (TCO operators).
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:
- Not operate within the airspace of Iraq, FIR Baghdad (ORBB), at all altitudes and flight levels;
- 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.