EU Extends Ban on Iraqi Airways Over Safety Concerns, Says PUK MP

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An Iraqi airplane.

A member of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Communications has announced that the European Union has opted to extend its ban on Iraqi Airways.

MP Karwan Yarwais told PUKMEDIA: “According to assessments by European inspectors, the EU has decided to prolong the ban on Iraqi Airways for another six months, thereby prohibiting any of its aircraft from flying to Europe.”

He added: “The EU initially imposed the ban due to Iraqi Airways' failure to meet safety standards, its non-compliance with international civil aviation regulations, and the substandard condition of its aircraft.”

Yarwais further explained that last year, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani tasked the Minister of Reconstruction and Construction with overseeing the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority, in an effort to meet the requirements set forth by the EU.

MP Yarwais added: “Despite the Prime Minister granting full authority, signing numerous civil aviation agreements, and allocating substantial financial resources, Iraq has regrettably not succeeded in convincing European inspectors to lift the ban on the airline.”

He also noted: “We had previously urged the Prime Minister to prioritise this matter, as the ongoing ban continues to damage Iraq’s reputation. Iraqi Airways was once considered among the world’s leading carriers.



PUKMEDIA