Iraqi Lawmaker Praises PUK Efforts in Reopening Turkish Airspace to Sulaymaniyah Flights

Iraq 01:50 PM - 2025-10-17

Jalal Talabani International Airport.

Zahra al-Bajari, Chairperson of the Communications and Transport Committee of the Iraqi Parliament, confirmed that the extensive efforts, coordination, and field follow-up by committee members and the relevant authorities have resulted in the reopening of Turkish airspace to Sulaymaniyah International Airport, now officially renamed Jalal Talabani International Airport. She commended the significant role of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in achieving this outcome.

In a statement received by PUKMEDIA, al-Bajari said: “This milestone came after a series of meetings held by the committee in Sulaymaniyah and the submission of an official memorandum to the Council of Representatives [Iraqi Parliament] to support the airport and gain backing for this vital issue.”

She also expressed her appreciation for the determined and sincere efforts of PUK Lawmaker Karwan Yarwais for his dedicated follow-up on the matter. Al-Bajari extended her gratitude to all parties who contributed to this achievement, emphasising that the reopening of Turkish airspace serves both citizens and the national interest.

On 9 October, Türkiye announced that it has lifted the ban on flights from Sulaymaniyah International Airport after over two years. At the time, Ankara justified the flight ban with alleged “threats” from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). It was claimed that the PKK had “infiltrated” Sulaymaniyah airport, thereby threatening flight safety. Since then, the ban has been extended six times.

The decision to lift the airspace ban follows the constructive role played by Sulaymaniyah in promoting peace and fostering dialogue between Ankara and the PKK. PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani played an instrumental role in this process, helping to pave the way for improved relations and regional stability.

Jalal Talabani International Airport

On 10 October, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani issued a directive to officially rename Sulaymaniyah International Airport as "Jalal Talabani International Airport", following a formal request submitted by the President Jalal Talabani Foundation (PJTF).

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Media Office, “This directive comes in appreciation and recognition of the late President Jalal Talabani’s [PUK Founder & Former Iraqi President Mam Jalal] historic role and his long struggle against the dictatorial regime.”



PUKMEDIA