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Shafaq News
21-06-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Aerial crisis: Iraq losing millions daily due to Iran-Israel conflict
Shafaq News/ Iraqi officials and aviation sources warned that the full closure of Iraqi airspace since June 13, amid the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, is costing the country millions of dollars each day. The shutdown has halted overflight traffic and inflicted heavy losses on local airlines and airports. Previously, around 700 aircraft flights — including passenger and cargo — traversed Iraqi skies daily. Overflight fees averaged $450 per passenger flight and $700 for cargo planes, according to aviation data. In May, the General Company for Air Navigation Services recorded 19,841 transit flights, a record figure highlighting Iraq's growing role as a regional aviation hub, its general manager, Abbas Sabbar Al-Baydani, commented. 'Direct losses from halted overflights exceed $250,000 per day,' remarked Amer Abdul-Jabbar, a member of Iraq's parliamentary transport committee, cautioning that this did not account for indirect losses faced by airlines, airports, and ground services. In the south, Basra Airport has run only 13 flights since the crisis began. Baghdad, Najaf, and Erbil airports have seen partial or full suspensions. Self-funded local carriers such as Iraqi Airways and Fly Baghdad are also struggling financially. Parliamentary and governmental sources note that overflight and operational revenues fund staff salaries and allowances, which are at risk if the closure persists. Flight tracking analysis by FlightRadar24 showed that the closure of Iraqi and Iranian airspace has redirected flights over Saudi Arabia, doubling flight counts from 700 to 1,400 per day. Flights over Afghanistan surged by 500%, causing international carriers like Qatar Airways and FlyDubai to reroute via Pakistan and Afghanistan — adding approximately two hours to some journeys. Iraq's civil aviation network includes key airports in Baghdad, Erbil, Najaf, and Basra, which serve as vital sources of non-oil revenue from overflight fees, ground services, and cargo operations. Despite recent growth in air traffic, the sector faces challenges in modernization and route expansion amid security and political instability. Analysts warn that a prolonged airspace closure could deepen economic pressures, weaken Iraq's national aviation sector, and leave airlines ill-equipped to absorb the financial shock.
See - Sada Elbalad
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Elham Shahin, Hala Sarhan Heading Back to Egypt after Being Stranded in Iraq
Yara Sameh Veteran Egyptian actress Elham Shahin and prominent TV host Hala Sarhan are making their way to Egypt after being stuck in Iraq as Iran exchange airstrikes with Israel. Shahin shared a video with Sarhan on Instagram of them at the Basra Airport in Iraq, six hours away from Baghdad, where they were staying, after it was reopened. The ongoing conflict raised regional security concerns, prompting multiple countries in the region, including Iraq, to halt civilian air travel as a precautionary measure. In the footage, the pair expressed their gratitude and appreciation to all officials in Iraq for providing all their needs and for the Iraqi government's care, even up to the last minute. Shahin and Sarhan had traveled to Iraq, where they were stranded three days ago, to attend media events organized by the Iraqi government, in the presence of prominent figures in Arab art, culture, and media. The actress said in a previous statement that all conference participants from all countries are fine and have all returned to their hotel, waiting for the reopening of the airspace. Shahin added that the situation in Iraq was safe, and the hotel where she was staying was well secured, and things were going well. They remained in Iraq until a truce was struck between both sides so that she and all those stranded in Iraq due to the war between Israel and Iran could return. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand
