Iraq Airspace
Current Status
The Baghdad FIR (ORBB) has been subject to EASA conflict zone advisories continuously since 2014. While Baghdad International Airport (ORBI) and Erbil (ORER) handle commercial traffic, overflying the FIR carries significant risk from militia activity, regional missile transits, and persistent GPS interference.
Iraq sits at the intersection of multiple conflict vectors. Iranian-backed militia groups periodically launch operational events from Iraqi territory, and Iranian regional military systems have transited Iraqi airspace during regional escalations. The Baghdad FIR is also part of the GPS spoofing corridor extending from Turkey through Iraq to the Eastern Mediterranean.
Some carriers continue to operate through the FIR at higher flight levels, but many European and North American airlines avoid it entirely. Dust storms also create seasonal operational challenges, particularly at lower altitudes.
Key Risks
Iraqi airspace is used as a transit zone for regional military systems during regional escalations, creating unpredictable hazards at all flight levels.
Part of the Turkey-Iraq-Egypt GPS spoofing corridor. Aircraft report false position data, potentially triggering GPWS alerts and unsafe altitude readings.
Armed groups periodically launch rockets and drones from Iraqi territory, with some operational events reaching altitudes relevant to overflying traffic.
Seasonal dust storms reduce visibility below minima at Iraqi airports and can affect operations across the entire FIR.
Recent Events
EASA renewed CZIB for ORBB FIR, maintaining advisory for operations below FL260.
Gulf regional escalation triggered temporary closure of portions of ORBB FIR to civil traffic.
GPS spoofing events in ORBB increased 25% quarter-over-quarter, particularly along Baghdad-Erbil corridor.
Multiple airlines reported GPWS false alerts over southern Iraq due to GPS spoofing activity.
EASA & FAA Guidance
EASA CZIB 2021-03 (renewed) advises EU operators to exercise caution in the ORBB FIR, with specific restrictions below FL260. The FAA has issued a Special Federal Aviation Regulation covering Iraqi airspace with altitude-based restrictions. Airlines must carry enhanced war risk insurance for Iraqi overflight.
Related
This page provides publicly available information about airspace conditions. Always consult official sources (ICAO, EASA, FAA) for operational decisions.