FAA Bans US Airlines from Flying Over Iraq and Iran

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Wednesday issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAMS) establishing a no-fly zone over Iraq and Iran, after airstrikes were launched at at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US-led coalition personnel.

The attack followed a US airstrike last week, which killed Iran’s top general Qassem Soleimani.

FAA is prohibiting US civil aviation operators from flying in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, while, closely monitoring events in the Middle East.

“We continue coordinating with our national security partners and sharing information with US air carriers and foreign civil aviation authorities,” FAA said.

According to media reports, several major airlines on Wednesday announced that they will reroute flights to avoid airspace over Iraq and Iran.

Australian carrier Qantas said it was altering its London to Perth, Australia, routes to avoid Iran and Iraq airspace until further notice.

Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines also said their planes would avoid Iranian airspace due to recent events.