ISTANBUL: Erbil International Airport suspended all incoming and outgoing flights on Tuesday after a series of security incidents and reported drone attacks over the Iraqi city prompted authorities to halt air traffic.
Airport Director Ahmed Hoshyar said the suspension was introduced as a precautionary measure in response to the deteriorating security situation affecting Erbil and its surrounding airspace.
According to Hoshyar, flight operations will remain on hold until security conditions improve, with normal services expected to resume once authorities determine the area is safe for air travel.
The decision followed reports from Iraqi media that three suicide drones were intercepted and destroyed over Erbil after multiple powerful explosions were heard across the city.
Officials have not released further details regarding the source of the drones or whether the attacks caused casualties or damage.
The temporary closure of Erbil’s airspace highlights growing security concerns in northern Iraq as authorities continue monitoring the situation and assessing potential threats to civilian aviation.
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