Iraq Denies Airspace Crash Reports, Says Flights Are Safe

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Transportation on Monday denied reports that a passenger aircraft had crashed in Iraqi airspace, saying all incoming and outgoing flights are safe. The ministry said in a statement that circulating news of a plane crash in Iraqi airspace did not reflect reality. Iraqi airspace had been closed for 72 hours in accordance with international security standards, the statement said, a measure taken to ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft given regional security conditions. Iraqi Airways suspended all planned flights following the civil aviation authority's temporary closure decision. Officials said they are monitoring the situation and will inform passengers once flights resume. The government, the General Air Navigation Services Company, and civil aviation institutions have been implementing airspace management decisions based on ongoing technical assessments and international standards, according to the ministry statement.