Flight ban continues to cause travel headaches
The Iraqi government’s international flight ban is causing headaches for Kurds from the diaspora trying to travel to the Kurdistan Region – they complain of long layovers and fare hikes.
Baghdad imposed a ban on all international flights in and out of Kurdistan Region’s Erbil and Sulaimani airports after Kurdistan voted for independence in a referendum. The ban came into effect on September 29.
Baghdad demanded Erbil hand over control of the two airports to federal authorities.
The airports operate under regulations and supervision of the Iraq Civil Aviation Authority.
Kurdish authorities have condemned the ban as collective punishment.
Baghdad imposed a ban on all international flights in and out of Kurdistan Region’s Erbil and Sulaimani airports after Kurdistan voted for independence in a referendum. The ban came into effect on September 29.
Baghdad demanded Erbil hand over control of the two airports to federal authorities.
The airports operate under regulations and supervision of the Iraq Civil Aviation Authority.
Kurdish authorities have condemned the ban as collective punishment.