The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has introduced a ban on US airlines entering near to or into Iraqi air space due to increased fighting in the country and the US Government’s decision to launch ’strategic air strikes’ in the country.
 
This follows a previous ban on commercial airlines flying at or below 30,000 feet that was in place before the air strikes began last week. It also follows the tragic incident where Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down on July 17 while flying at over 30,000 feet over eastern Ukraine.
 
Several other non-US airlines, including British Airways are also avoiding Iraqi air space.