02 Oct 2017 | 12:11 PM UTC
Iraq: International flights to/from Kurdistan to cease Sep. 29 /update 2
Baghdad orders suspension of all international flights to/from Iraqi Kurdistan from 18:00 (local time) September 29 following controversial referendum
Event
The central Iraqi government in Baghdad has banned all international flights to and from Iraqi Kurdistan - i.e. Erbil International Airport (EBL) and Sulaymaniya International Airport (ISU) - from 18:00 (local time) on Friday, September 29, until further notice. Humanitarian and emergency flights (pre-approved by Baghdad), should not be affected by the ban; domestic flights may be affected. After 18:00, the only way for foreigners to leave Iraqi Kurdistan by air will be through Baghdad or other international Iraqi airports outside the Kurdistan region. It should be noted that travelers will need a full Iraqi visa (and not just a Kurdistan region visa) to travel via Baghdad or other Iraqi cities.
Context
On September 26 Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi demanded that the autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) hand over control of its airports to the central Iraqi government by Friday or face an international air embargo. On September 27 the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) rejected the ultimatum.
This move is the latest in a series of retaliatory measures against the autonomous Kurdistan region, which held a referendum for independence on September 25 that was deemed unconstitutional by Baghdad and criticized by neighboring Iran, Turkey, and Syria (home to large Kurdish populations of their own). The international community also expressed concerns. Official results of the referendum announced on September 27 confirm that the "yes" vote for independence won with 92 percent of votes cast.
The autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan officially includes three provinces (Erbil, Dahuk, and Sulaymaniyah) protected by a security force (Peshmerga) independent from the Iraqi government.
Advice
Individuals wishing to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan are advised to postpone their trips until the situation stabilizes. Individuals currently in the region are advised to contact Iraqi consulates and airlines for further information.
Generally speaking, the security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.
