BAGHDAD, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority announced on Thursday another 72-hour extension of the country's airspace closure to all arriving, departing, and overflying aircraft, citing ongoing security concerns.

Smoke rises after an explosion near Erbil International Airport in Erbil on March 6, 2026. (File photo: AFP)

In a statement, the authority said the extension will be effective from 12:00 p.m. local time (0900 GMT) on Thursday until 12:00 p.m. Sunday.

The decision is a "temporary precautionary measure" based on a continuous assessment of the "security situation and regional developments," the statement added.

The authority noted that the suspension will be reviewed in accordance with any new updates, and all airlines and relevant agencies will be notified of further updates.

The extended closure came amid heightened regional tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting on Feb. 28, to which Iran and its regional allies responded with attacks on Israeli and U.S. interests across the Middle East.