US lifts sanctions on Iraq's Fly Baghdad airline

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The United States has removed sanctions it had imposed on Fly Baghdad, the Iraq-based private airline, according to a Treasury Department announcement. The decision followed a determination that the carrier had made substantial changes to its operations. Fly Baghdad, headquartered in Baghdad, operates domestic routes and regional flights. The lifting of the restrictions clears the way for the airline to expand its access to international financial transactions and partnerships. Iraq's Civil Aviation Authority welcomed the move, saying the country's civil aviation sector was advancing in line with international compliance standards. The US Treasury statement added that sanctions designations are reviewed periodically and reassessed based on each entity's level of compliance. No further details on the timing or scope of the operational changes were immediately available.