Iraqi Airways on Track to Lift Europe Ban

Iraqi Airways is taking major steps towards lifting the European flight ban, with 75% of its Corrective IOSA Programme already complete, according to the Ministry of Transport.

The ministry confirmed that progress is not only about upgrading aircraft, but also about building a modern operating system that meets the highest global aviation standards.

A specialised committee has been formed to oversee the process, while the airline has also partnered with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to secure key certifications, including the IOSA safety audit and the Third Country Operator (TCO) licence.

So far, Iraqi Airways has updated technical and operational documents, restructured its organisation, strengthened compliance and contractor oversight, launched an international operations control centre, and expanded training for pilots and technical staff.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is currently reviewing Iraqi Airways’ file following the IOSA certification. The review could be finalised by the end of this year or early 2026, raising hopes for the airline’s long-awaited return to European skies.

Officials stressed that the national carrier is working strategically, with detailed feasibility studies for each planned European route. The airline said new destinations will not only serve passengers, particularly Iraq’s diaspora, but also act as “human and economic bridges” connecting Iraq more closely with Europe.