Iraq controls airspace for first time since 2003: US

BAGHDAD: Iraq this month took responsibility for all of its airspace for the first time since the 2003 US-led invasion, the US embassy said on Wednesday.

"On October 1, 2011, the US Air Force (USAF) transferred management of the Baghdad/Balad Airspace sector to the Iraq Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA)," said an embassy statement.

"Iraq's air traffic controllers are now directing the movement of all aircraft within the area, the busiest and most complex airspace in Iraq.