Gulf Air re-routes flights to avoid Iraq airspace

Bahrain's National Carrier Gulf Air on Saturday announced it was re-routing its European flights to avoid northern Iraqi airspace, as the airline takes further precautions amid growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation there.
"The airline's European flights, which are the only flights to operate over northern Iraqi airspace, will be re-routed immediately using alternate, more secure flight paths," said an airline statement.
It added the change will go into effect until further notice as the national carrier continues to monitor the situation closely.
The decision comes after several international airlines announced they were not flying over Iraqi airspace because of the volatile security situation there.
Gulf Air operates three weekly flights to the Iraqi capital Baghdad and daily flights to Al Najaf.
The national carrier said flights between Bahrain and Iraq continue as normal, adding that it is working closely with the government and air traffic control authorities in Iraq to prepare for all eventualities.
"Bahrain's national carrier is wholly committed to the safety and security of its passengers and crew," it said.
The International Civil Aviation Organization last month issued a statement to its members telling them to revise routes going through conflict zones.
Gulf Air had previously announced that its flights surrounding Ukrainian airspace had all been re-routed in reaction to the growing threat.