BAGHDAD, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Iraq extended the closure of its airspace for one week on Friday, citing security concerns amid heightened regional tensions following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
The closure, which covers all arriving, departing, and overflying aircraft, runs from noon local time (0900 GMT) Friday through noon April 10, the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority said.
The authority said the decision was based on an ongoing assessment of the security situation and would be reviewed as conditions develop. Airlines and relevant authorities would be notified of any further changes, it added.
The extension comes as the region remains on edge following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that began Feb. 28. Iran and its allies have since responded with attacks on Israeli and U.S. interests across the Middle East.
