Iraq Overflight Permit | ICAA Clearance & Baghdad FIR Requirements

Do You Need an Iraq Overflight Permit?

Yes. Foreign-operated aircraft generally require Iraq overflight clearance before entering Iraq airspace. This applies to private aviation, charter flights, cargo flights, ferry flights, ambulance flights, humanitarian missions and other non-scheduled operations.

Iraq overflight approvals are coordinated according to Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority requirements, Baghdad FIR procedures, ATC routing, security conditions and current NOTAMs. Because Iraq airspace is subject to operator-state security restrictions and advisories, operators must also check the requirements issued by their own civil aviation authority before dispatch.

Iraq Overflight Permit Requirements

To process an Iraq overflight permit, operators should normally provide complete and accurate operational details at the first request stage.

• Aircraft registration, aircraft type and MTOW
• Operator name, contact details and billing information
• Complete flight schedule with UTC date and time
• Departure airport, destination airport and alternate details if required
• Full ATC route including Iraq FIR entry and exit points
• Purpose of flight, flight category and call sign / flight number
• Crew, passenger, cargo or special operation details when required

Required Documents for Iraq Permit Processing

Document requirements can vary depending on flight type, operator status and purpose of flight. Commonly requested documents include:

• Certificate of Registration (COR)
• Certificate of Airworthiness (COA)
• Valid aircraft insurance certificate
• Noise certificate where applicable
• Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for commercial operators
• Dangerous goods declaration if applicable
• Diplomatic, military, ambulance or humanitarian supporting documents when applicable

Iraq Overflight Permit Lead Time

Permit2Fly recommends planning approximately 24–48 working hours ahead for routine requests when complete aircraft documents, schedule and confirmed routing are available. This is planning guidance rather than a guaranteed ICAA approval time; operator or flight category requirements may require earlier submission.

Short-notice flights may be handled on priority, subject to authority acceptance, security review, route availability and operational restrictions. Providing complete documents at the beginning helps reduce delays in authority submission and final approval.

Iraq Permit Validity and Schedule Revisions

Iraq overflight permits are normally issued against the approved schedule, aircraft registration, call sign, route and purpose of flight. Operators should not assume that one approval automatically covers major changes.

Revalidation or revision may be required when the flight timing, route, aircraft, FIR entry or exit point, destination, operator or purpose of flight changes. This is especially important for cargo, ambulance, diplomatic, humanitarian and ferry flights.

Who Needs Iraq Flight Clearance Support?

Iraq flight clearance support is important for operators crossing Baghdad FIR or planning multi-country Middle East overflight permits routing.

• Private jet and business aviation operators
• Non-scheduled charter operators
• Cargo and air freight operators
• Ambulance, medevac and humanitarian flights
• Ferry, delivery and aircraft positioning flights
• Flights requiring landing, fuel, parking or handling in Iraq

Baghdad FIR ORBB Information

Iraq airspace is managed through Baghdad FIR (ORBB). Operators must file flight plans according to approved ATC routes, FIR boundary estimates, route availability, NOTAMs and airspace restrictions.

Important operational airports include Baghdad International Airport (ORBI/BGW), Erbil International Airport (ORER/EBL) and Basra International Airport (ORBS/BSR), depending on the planned landing or technical stop.

For smooth operation, the requested permit route should match the operational flight plan. If ATC routing, level planning, entry point, exit point or timing changes after approval, the operator should verify whether revision is required.

Iraq FIR Entry and Exit Points

The following route points are retained as planning reference only and must not be used as the sole source for flight planning. Final routing and FIR boundary points must be validated against the current Iraq AIP, NOTAMs, ATC instructions, applicable airspace restrictions and approved operator flight-planning data.

Iraq Airspace Safety and Current Restrictions

Baghdad FIR (ORBB) requires additional operational risk awareness. Airspace restrictions can differ according to the aircraft state of registry, operator authority and current security environment. Operators should review current Iraq aeronautical publications, NOTAMs and any applicable State-of-Operator restrictions before flight planning.

As of the page review date, EASA maintains an active Conflict Zone Information Bulletin covering Baghdad FIR (ORBB). U.S. operators and other persons covered by FAA rules are also subject to specific Baghdad FIR restrictions. These external restrictions are separate from obtaining an Iraq overflight permit.

Official and Current Aviation References

• EASA Conflict Zone Information Bulletin – Iraq / Baghdad FIR
• FAA Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices – Iraq

Operators should additionally use the latest Iraq AIP, AIRAC amendments, supplements and NOTAMs available through their approved aeronautical information and flight-planning channels.

Overflight Charges and Navigation Fees

Iraq overflight charges and related navigation fees may depend on flight type, aircraft weight, route, authority rules and whether the aircraft is only crossing Iraq FIR or also landing in Iraq.

Where landing is involved, operators should also consider landing fees, parking, ground handling, fuel uplift, supervision, passenger handling, cargo handling and other airport-related service charges.

Operational Restrictions and Special Approvals

Certain flights may need additional review, supporting documents or longer processing time. Operators should provide complete information early for sensitive or special-purpose operations.

• Military, diplomatic or state flights
• Dangerous goods or special cargo operations
• Ambulance, medevac and humanitarian missions
• Survey, inspection or scientific flights
• Flights with unusual routing, restricted cargo or security-sensitive details

Iraq Landing Permit, Handling and Fuel Support

If your aircraft will land in Iraq for passenger movement, technical stop, crew rest, cargo handling or fuel uplift, Permit2Fly can coordinate landing permit support, ground handling, parking, fuel and supervision through approved local partners.

Our operations team can assist with airport coordination, service confirmation, schedule revisions, supplier follow-up and operational communication until flight completion.

Why Choose Permit2Fly for Iraq Overflight Permits?

Permit2Fly supports operators with practical flight operations experience, fast communication and clear permit coordination. Our team reviews the submitted route, aircraft details and schedule before processing to help reduce avoidable delays.

• 24/7 permit coordination and operational follow-up
• Support for route, schedule and aircraft revisions
• Coordination for overflight, landing, fuel and ground handling
• Clear communication for urgent and short-notice flights
• Regional Middle East permit support for multi-country routing

Frequently Asked Questions