ANKARA: Turkiye has lifted its flight ban on an airport in Iraq’s semiautonomous Kurdish region, a restriction originally imposed in 2023 due to concerns over alleged Kurdish militant activity in the area.
The decision to resume flights to Sulaymaniyah International Airport was announced by the office of Nechirvan Barzani, president of the Kurdish Region, late Thursday following a meeting in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Erdogan and Barzani discussed Turkiye’s relations with Iraq and the Kurdish region, as well as opportunities for cooperation and regional developments, according to a statement from Erdogan’s office.
Turkiye imposed the ban two years ago, citing an alleged increase in operations by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, in Sulaymaniyah that it said posed risks to flight safety.
The PKK, designated a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States, and the European Union, has led a decades-long insurgency in Turkiye that has extended into Iraq and Syria, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths.
Earlier this year, the PKK agreed to disband and renounce armed conflict as part of a new peace initiative with Turkiye. A symbolic disarmament ceremony was held near Sulaymaniyah in July.
In a statement, the Kurdistan Region Presidency welcomed Turkiye’s decision, calling it a reflection of the strong ties between the two sides and a move that would deepen mutual cooperation.
Turkish Airlines also confirmed the resumption of flights.
“As the flag carrier, we continue to proudly represent Turkiye in the skies across the globe. In line with this vision, we are delighted to soon reconnect our Sulaymaniyah route with the skies once again,” the company’s spokesperson, Yahya Ustun, said on social media.
The decision came as Iraq’s foreign minister, Fuad Hussein, arrived in the Turkish capital for talks with Turkish officials to discuss the water issue between the two countries and ways to expand cooperation, Iraqi officials said. Baghdad has complained that dams built by Turkiye are reducing Iraq’s water supply.
Turkiye lifts flight ban on airport in Kurdish region after peace initiative with PKK militant group
https://arab.news/8mtu8
Turkiye lifts flight ban on airport in Kurdish region after peace initiative with PKK militant group
- The decision to resume flights to Sulaymaniyah International Airport was announced by the office of Nechirvan Barzani
- Turkiye imposed the ban two years ago, citing an alleged increase in operations by PKK in Sulaymaniyah
Abbas says Palestinians stand in solidarity with Jordan amid US-Iran tensions
- Palestinian president condemned Iranian attacks targeting Jordan
- Al-Aqsa Mosque has remained closed since Saturday morning as Israeli authorities declared a state of emergency
LONDON: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed solidarity with Jordan during a phone call with King Abdullah II on Tuesday.
Abbas condemned the Iranian attacks targeting Jordan, reaffirming the Palestinian rejection of any assault that undermines Jordan’s sovereignty or threatens its security and stability, according to Wafa news agency.
After the military actions by the Israeli and US forces in Iran on Saturday, Iran launched suicide drones and missiles into the cities of the Arab Gulf. It also targeted US fighter jets deployed in Azraq, while some missiles struck civilian areas.
Abbas highlighted the importance of dialogue and expressed support for Arab efforts to protect Arab nations, and ensure their security against attacks that violate international law, Wafa added.
For the fourth consecutive day, Israeli forces have intensified military measures throughout the occupied West Bank, closing checkpoints and entrances to cities, towns and villages.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque in the walled city of occupied East Jerusalem has remained closed since Saturday morning, as Israeli authorities declared a state of emergency amid the conflict with Iran.
