The European Union continues to enforce Iraq air safety restrictions, highlighting gaps in the country’s aviation oversight. Although Iraq presented new reforms, the EU found insufficient progress to lift the ban on local air carriers.
Iraqi Airways and Fly Baghdad still face limitations in European airspace. EU regulators first restricted Iraqi Airways in 2015, later adding Fly Baghdad in 2023. Since then, Iraqi authorities have worked to improve aviation standards. However, these efforts have not yet met international expectations.
A recent technical meeting brought together EU aviation officials and representatives from Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority. The session covered legislative changes, updated safety rules, and new training programs. Iraq reported plans to recruit more staff and revise its national aviation laws. Officials in Baghdad emphasized their commitment to aligning with global standards.
Still, EU experts raised concerns. They noted that many of Iraq’s safety reforms are still at the planning stage. As a result, the EU concluded that enforcement remains too weak to ensure safe air travel.
The European Commission stressed the need for concrete improvements. These include the legal adoption of new aviation laws and stronger systems to oversee compliance. Without these steps, the EU said it cannot move forward with lifting the restrictions.
Because of these ongoing issues, the EU canceled a planned inspection mission. Officials had considered a visit to Iraq in September but postponed it due to slow progress. Instead, EU member states will continue inspections on Iraqi flights landing in Europe.
Iraq air safety restrictions will remain in place until further notice. The EU warned that it could impose new actions if serious risks emerge. Their statement affirmed that passenger safety must take priority over air traffic expansion.
So far, Iraqi authorities have avoided stricter penalties by showing some willingness to improve. But EU regulators expect much more. They urge faster implementation of reforms and proof that oversight systems actually work.
For now, Iraq air safety restrictions limit Iraq’s ability to expand flight operations into Europe. Aviation experts believe stronger laws and better-trained personnel could help Iraq eventually meet EU safety benchmarks.