Flight ban into Kurdistan lifted

Kurdistan operators can begin to ramp up operations again following the re-opening of the airport. As reported previously, the closure had caused logistical problems for the operators.

Reuters reported yesterday that Iraq has lifted the ban on international flights to the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region's airports. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said that Kurdistan's regional airports will be under the command of the Federal Ministry of the Interior. The ban on international flights was part of sanctions imposed on Kurdistan after September’s Independence referendum. In recent months the oil companies and service providers have reined in activity, and gone overland via Turkey when required.