By — Joan Lowy, Associated Press Joan Lowy, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/faa-bans-u-s-airlines-flying-iraq Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter FAA bans U.S. airlines from flying over Iraq World Aug 8, 2014 11:22 AM EDT WASHINGTON — Federal aviation authorities are prohibiting U.S. airlines and other commercial carriers from flying over Iraq, saying hostilities there could threaten safety. The FAA announced the ban Friday, citing the “potentially hazardous situation” created by fighting between militants and Iraqi security forces and their allies. The ban applies to all U.S.-registered planes except those operated by foreign carriers and to FAA-licensed pilots. There is an exception for flights operated with U.S. government permission and for emergency situations. The FAA previously had limited flights over Iraq to altitudes no lower than 30,000 feet. The ban comes just three weeks after a Malaysia Airlines plane with nearly 300 people on board was shot down over eastern Ukraine. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Joan Lowy, Associated Press Joan Lowy, Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Federal aviation authorities are prohibiting U.S. airlines and other commercial carriers from flying over Iraq, saying hostilities there could threaten safety. The FAA announced the ban Friday, citing the “potentially hazardous situation” created by fighting between militants and Iraqi security forces and their allies. The ban applies to all U.S.-registered planes except those operated by foreign carriers and to FAA-licensed pilots. There is an exception for flights operated with U.S. government permission and for emergency situations. The FAA previously had limited flights over Iraq to altitudes no lower than 30,000 feet. The ban comes just three weeks after a Malaysia Airlines plane with nearly 300 people on board was shot down over eastern Ukraine. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now