Turkey has extended the ban on flights through its airspace to and from Sulaimaniyah International Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan for an additional six months, marking the third extension of this decision. The initial ban was implemented on April 3 of the previous year, citing security concerns over the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militant group.
The latest extension runs until December 7, 2024, resulting in major airlines diverting flights through Doha and Dubai, leading to a significant reduction in flights to and from the airport. Despite claims of safety breaches, the airport director confirmed its safety for flights but did not directly address the PKK issue.
Turkey’s decision to ban flights to Sulaimaniyah has political undertones, with Erdogan linking the ban to the Khor Mor gas field during a visit to Iraq. The ban remains in place since the failed independence referendum in 2017, with alleged PKK ties by the ruling Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) contributing to the prolonged restriction.
Recent incidents involving Turkey’s military operations in the region and drone attacks have escalated tensions and affected flight safety, leading to continued ramifications for both passengers and political relations.
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