Iraq looking to lift EU ban on Iraqi Airways flights to Europe

Iraq is looking to lift an EU ban on flights from Iraqi Airways into Europe, according to the country's transport ministry, with reforms to the aviation sector making headway.

Maitham al-Safi, the ministry's spokesperson, said that "significant progress" had been made on several issues in the ministry's plans for the upcoming year, including on the EU plan, according to the Rudaw news agency.

This includes completing the International Air Transport Association's Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), which assesses the management and control systems of airlines, with the aim of it being completed by the end of 2025.

Upon completion, the government will then be able to complete the Third Country Operator certificate, which would allow Iraq's national carrier to fly to the EU.

The EU banned Iraqi Airways in 2015 over "serious safety concerns" found with the airline, as well as its failure to meet international standards. In June, the EU extended the ban for a further six months.

Iraq is planning on opening new regional and European routes once the ban is lifted, and Iraqi Airways is set to receive a third batch of modern Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

The bid to secure air routes to Europe comes as the country reforms its aviation sector, which has seen improvements at several airports across the country.

This includes the reopening of Mosul Airport, which had been closed since its capture by the Islamic State in 2014, following the reconstruction of its terminal and other airport facilities.

Nasiriyah Airport in the country's south is also expected to open at the end of this year.

Safi said that the opening of Iraq's air routes would "support the movement of businesspeople, delegations, tourism, and investment, strengthen industries, develop supply chains, and integrate Iraq into the global economic landscape."

Alongside the development of its aviation sector, Iraq has undergone a series of infrastructure upgrades attempting to link it to the wider regional economy, including the Development Road, an estimated $17 billion project connecting trade between the Gulf and Europe via Turkey.

An initial version of the vision is set to be completed by the end of December, a Transport Ministry source told Rudaw on Monday.