Peregraf
The European Union has officially extended its ban on Iraqi Airways flights for another six months, citing continued failures to meet international safety and aviation standards. The decision follows a report from EU aviation inspectors that found Iraq has not taken sufficient steps to address longstanding issues.
Karwan Yarwais, a member of the Iraqi Parliament’s Transportation and Communications Committee, confirmed the extension and expressed disappointment over the lack of progress. "No Iraqi aircraft will be allowed to fly to European countries for another six months," Yarwais said. "The report clearly shows that Iraq still fails to meet the safety requirements and international aviation standards."
At the center of the controversy is Bangin Rekani, who has been leading the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority for the past year. Rekani, a senior figure in the Kurdistan Democratic Party and Minister of Reconstruction, Housing, and Municipalities, was appointed by the Iraqi Council of Ministers on June 24, 2024, to improve the sector and lift the EU ban. However, Yarwais accused him of mismanagement and failing to deliver on his mandate.
"Despite having full authority from the Prime Minister and spending massive amounts of money on contracts, Iraq failed to persuade the European inspectors," Yarwais added. "There are serious suspicions of corruption in some of the contracts, which are now under investigation by the Corruption Commission and the Parliament."
Yarwais also revealed that dozens of MPs have sent repeated letters to the Prime Minister warning of alleged corruption and administrative failures within the Civil Aviation Authority. The latest letter was submitted on May 3, 2025.
The ban, which has been in place for years, continues to damage Iraq's aviation sector and international reputation. "This extension will affect Iraq's standing globally, at a time when Iraqi Airways was once considered among the top airlines in the region," Yarwais said.
The EU's decision underscores growing frustration over Iraq’s inability to reform its civil aviation sector and signals a need for deeper accountability and transparency if Iraq wants to reintegrate into the global air transport network.