Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - The Kurdistan Region Council of Ministers made a statement on flight interruptions at Erbil and Sulaymaniyah International Airports by the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority in two occasions, for 48 hours each, Between 23 November and 9 December.

Following is the text of the Statement:

Since 23 November 2015, flights at the two Kurdistan Region airports have been interrupted by the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICCA) due to overflights of Russian cruise missiles striking targets in Syria.

We support attacks against the Islamic State terrorist organisation, ISIS, as long as they do not interfere with the Region’s vital transportation services. Interruption of normal flight service adversely affects social and economic stability by inhibiting passenger flows and trade.

These concerns have prompted the Kurdistan Region Council of Ministers to formally request the Russian Federation to coordinate such military activities with the KRG and the Iraqi Federal Government, and to determine alternative routes that avoid the Region’s airspace.

In the midst of the war against ISIS, severe financial constraints, and accommodating an extraordinary number of internally displaced people who took refuge in the Region, interruption of flight services adds to the challenges of better serving the people of the Kurdistan Region.

The Presidency of the Kurdistan Region Council of Ministers
9 December 2015