Iraq extends airspace closure 48 hours; Jordan announces partial shutdown

ISTANBUL

Iraq has extended the closure of its airspace for 48 hours, while Jordan announced a partial daily shutdown, civil aviation authorities in both countries said Monday, citing escalating regional tensions.

Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority said it would keep the country’s airspace closed to all arriving, departing and overflying aircraft for an additional 48 hours starting at 12 pm local time (0900GMT) Monday as a “temporary and precautionary measure.”

The authority said in a statement carried by the state news agency INA that the decision followed “an ongoing assessment of the security situation and a comprehensive review of developments and regional tensions.”

Iraq initially closed its airspace Saturday following a US-Israeli offensive against Iran.

Jordan’s Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission also said in a statement it would implement a “partial and temporary” closure of the kingdom’s airspace to all arriving, departing and transit flights “in light of current regional developments and a risk assessment conducted in accordance with international standards.”

The closure will take effect from 6 pm local time (1500 GMT) until 9 am (0600 GMT) the following day and the decision will remain in force until further notice “to ensure the safety and security of civil aviation in Jordanian airspace,” the commission said.

The decisions come as Israel and the United States have conducted a military offensive against Iran since early Saturday, killing at least 550 people, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top military officials.

Tehran has responded by firing missiles and drones toward Israel and US bases in countries across the region. Some of those attacks have caused casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, prompting condemnation from the Gulf countries, which have called for an end to the attacks.

Washington and Tel Aviv accuse Tehran of pursuing nuclear and missile programs that threaten Israel and US allies in the region. Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful and that it does not seek to produce nuclear weapons.

*Writing by Lina Altawell