Iraq’s national carrier, Iraqi Airways, will resume flights to Lebanon on Monday after a temporary suspension earlier this month, following concerns over the volatile security situation in neighboring Syria, the country’s transport minister announced on Saturday.
The decision to lift the flight ban comes after Iraqi Airways halted services to Lebanon on December 8, citing heightened fears related to the escalating conflict in Syria. The suspension occurred amid growing instability in the region, particularly after Syrian rebels seized control of Damascus, the capital of Syria, on the same day.
The situation reached a critical point when Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, facing mounting pressure from the opposition forces, fled to Russia after more than 13 years of civil war. The loss of control over Damascus marked the end of the Assad family’s decades-long rule in Syria, further exacerbating regional tensions.
At the time of the suspension, the Iraqi government expressed deep concern about the worsening situation in Syria and its potential impact on neighboring countries, including Lebanon. Security assessments indicated that the risk posed to flights passing through Syrian airspace had increased significantly, prompting the temporary closure of the route.
Lebanon, despite its own political and economic challenges, had been a key destination for Iraqi travelers, particularly for those seeking medical treatment, business opportunities, or tourism. The suspension of flights had disrupted the travel plans of many Iraqis, with some even facing difficulties in returning home.
In the weeks following the suspension, the Iraqi government, in collaboration with the Lebanese authorities, conducted a thorough review of the security situation and air traffic safety. Following the assessment, it was determined that the resumption of flights could proceed without significant risk to passenger safety.
The decision to restart services has been welcomed by both Iraqi citizens and the Lebanese government. Officials in Lebanon have expressed relief at the return of Iraqi Airways flights, which are expected to boost tourism and strengthen ties between the two nations.
The suspension had added further strain on Lebanon’s economy, which has been grappling with a severe financial crisis and an influx of refugees from Syria.
The resumption of flights also signals a broader regional stabilization, as both Iraq and Lebanon continue to recover from the long-standing effects of the Syrian civil war. It highlights the importance of air travel in maintaining connections between Middle Eastern countries, despite the challenging geopolitical climate.
Iraqi Airways, which operates a network of international routes, had previously suspended services to other countries in the region due to similar security concerns. However, this resumption of flights to Lebanon is a positive sign for the airline’s operations, as it seeks to restore its global connectivity and fulfill the growing demand for travel in and out of Iraq.
The transport minister reassured the public that all necessary safety measures would be in place, ensuring that the resumption of flights will proceed without incident. Passengers are expected to undergo enhanced security screening to mitigate any potential risks in light of the current regional tensions.
With flights set to resume, many Iraqis are hopeful that this decision will pave the way for further normalization of air travel in the region, providing essential links for commerce, diplomacy, and personal connections.