From Reuters(12/8):
Iraq's Governing Council has granted permission for six international airlines to fly passengers and cargo to and from Basra airport which it said would reopen in a few weeks.
The Council said in a statement on Monday night it had asked Gulf Air, Royal Jordanian, Emirates, Qatar Airways, SAS and LOT Polish Airlines to prepare for a resumption of flights to Basra "at the end of this month or shortly afterwards".
International flights to Basra have been suspended since the 1991 Gulf War.
The statement said the reopening of the airport would represent "a huge step towards normalisation of ties between Iraq and the international community".
With the number of incidents reported on "the ground" this week, how can they be sure that resuming operations will be safe? Judging by the number of small-arms at large, wouldn't an air liner present a tempting target? How do pilots feel about going back there?
Mods could you leave this here for a few days for comment, before moving it to "Middle East" or "Airlines, Airports & Routes"