Baghdad flights disrupted after bullet hits flydubai jet

A bullet hit the fuselage of a flydubai airliner on its descent into Baghdad, prompting a suspension of flights by UAE carriers to the Iraqi capital on Tuesday. Flight FZ215 was hit by “small arms fire” before landing on Monday but all passengers disembarked safely, a flydubai spokesperson said. The no-frills carrier, a sister firm of Emirates, said it was working with Iraqi authorities to investigate the incident, adding that it will continue to fly to its other destinations in Iraq. Emirates separately said it is suspending flights to and from the Iraqi capital because of “operational and safety concerns” until further notice.

The plane was able to land normally but some airlines have cancelled or delayed their flights today.

Baghdad airport employee, speaking on condition of anonymity

Etihad Airways, based in the Emirati capital of Abu Dhabi, said it was also suspending operations to Baghdad indefinitely following a directive from the Gulf country’s civil aviation authority. The website of Sharjah-based budget carrier Air Arabia also showed that flights to Baghdad were not available. A prolonged suspension could seriously limit the travel options for Iraqi travelers and foreign businesspeople, diplomats and aid workers who rely on busy international transit hubs in the oil-rich Gulf.

Middle East Baghdad