Emirates (EK, Dubai International) has announced it is suspending its Erbil in troubled northern Iraq with effect from August 12. While it did not state the reason why, it is believed the suspension is due to the ongoing fighting between Kurdish forces and Islamist militants loyal to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Earlier this week, Royal Jordanian (RJ, Amman Queen Alia) along with Lufthansa (LH, Frankfurt International) and Austrian Airlines (OS, Vienna) all resumed their respective Erbil operations.
The Emirati carrier says it other Iraqi services - daily Basrah and 4x weekly Baghdad flights - will continue as per usual.
