An Iraqi parliamentary delegation has called on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to lift flight restrictions on Sulaimaniyah International Airport. Meanwhile, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani engages in high-level talks with Turkish officials to resolve the crisis. The ban, imposed in April 2023, has severely impacted travel and trade. As diplomatic efforts intensify, flights have resumed after a brief suspension due to the Iran-Israel conflict, marking a critical moment for regional stability.
Iraqi Delegation Presses Turkey to End Sulaimaniyah Flight Restrictions
A Kurdish member of Iraq’s Council of Representatives for PUK, Karwan Yarwais revealed that during a meeting in Ankara, the delegation urged President Erdoğan to lift sanctions on Sulaimaniyah Airport. Yareis stated that Erdoğa promised to direct relevant ministers to coordinate with Kurdistan Region Deputy PM Qubad Talabani for further discussions.
Turkey initially closed its airspace to flights from Sulaimaniyah in April 2023, citing security concerns, and has since extended the ban multiple times. The restrictions have disrupted travel, trade, and humanitarian movements, prompting Kurdish and Iraqi officials to seek a resolution.
Yarwais also noted that Erdoğan emphasized the importance of resolving disputes between the KRG and the Iraqi federal government, signaling Ankara’s interest in regional stability.
High-Level Talks Between Turkish Intelligence and KRG Officials
Amid diplomatic efforts, Ibrahim Kalın, head of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), visited Erbil and met with senior KRG leaders, including KRI President, KRG Prime Minister, and Deputy PM of Kurdistan Region Qubad Talabani.
According to Turkish state media, Kalın stressed the need to end clashes between Turkey’s military and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). He also discussed regional security, the role of Iraqi Turkmens, and Turkey’s support for them.
Kalın affirmed Ankara’s commitment to strengthening ties with the KRG and Iraq, while discussions also touched on the Israel-Iran war and its regional implications. These talks align with broader reconciliation efforts, including recent dialogue between Turkish opposition leaders and Kurdish figures.
Sulaimaniyah Airport Resumes Operations After Iran-Israel War Disruption
Meanwhile, Sulaimaniyah International Airport has restarted flights following a temporary suspension due to the Iran-Israel conflict in June 2025. Dana Mohammed, the airport’s media director, confirmed that airlines are readjusting schedules, particularly for routes to Tehran.
The 12-day war led to the cancellation of approximately 110 flights, exacerbating existing challenges from Turkey’s airspace ban. The resumption marks a step toward recovery, but long-term solutions depend on diplomatic progress.
As Deputy PM Qubad Talabani spearheads negotiations with Turkey, the KRG hopes for a breakthrough that would fully restore air connectivity and bolster economic stability in the region.
