Kurdistan Region’s Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani has once again demanded that Turkey lift the flight ban on Sulaimani International Airport. During a recent meeting in Erbil, he made this clear to Anil Bora Inan, Turkey’s ambassador to Iraq.
Inan met several Kurdish officials, including Talabani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. Their talks focused on improving relations, the regional peace process, and especially on the Sulaimani air travel restriction.
Talabani urged Ankara to reopen its airspace to flights coming from or going to Sulaimani. He stressed that lifting the flight ban on Sulaimani would benefit both sides. It would also ease travel burdens for the people of Sulaimani and help the economy recover.
Turkey initially imposed the ban on April 3, 2023, claiming increased activity by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in the area. Since then, the restriction has been extended five times, most recently on July 7. However, Sulaimani authorities and an Iraqi security delegation that inspected the airport denied any PKK presence or unusual activity.
The repeated flight ban on Sulaimani has become a key concern for the Kurdistan Regional Government. Talabani has frequently spoken out against the decision, calling it unfair and unjustified. He repeated that sentiment during his meeting with Inan, highlighting that cooperation should replace conflict.
As a positive development, Sulaimani witnessed a historic event last Friday. A group of PKK fighters officially began disarming, signaling progress in Turkey’s peace efforts with the PKK. Talabani praised this move and pledged the Kurdistan Regional Government’s full support. He said the KRG stands ready to help in any way to ensure the peace process succeeds.
Barzani also echoed similar sentiments in his discussion with Ambassador Inan. The prime minister underlined the need for deeper cooperation and highlighted the benefits of mutual peace. Both leaders agreed that peace in Turkey and stability in the Kurdistan Region go hand in hand.
Still, the issue of the flight ban on Sulaimani remains unresolved. KRG leaders continue to see it as a major obstacle. The repeated flight ban on Sulaimani limits travel, trade, and diplomatic engagement. It also negatively impacts business ties between Turkey and the Kurdistan Region.
For the sake of progress, Talabani and others hope Turkey will soon reconsider. The repeated flight ban on Sulaimani cannot go on forever if peace and partnership are to thrive in the region.