Iraqi airliner lands safely after mid-air scare

Dhaka: An Iraqi airliner was forced to make an emergency landing in Baghdad after a technical malfunction, sparking panic among passengers, a video circulating on social media showed.

The aircraft, operated by the private carrier Ur Airlines, was flying from Najaf to Beirut when it suffered a pressurisation system failure, agency reported. 

The flight landed safely at Baghdad Interational Airport, and no injuries were recorded.

Iraqi Airways, the national carrier, swiftly distanced itself from the incident. In a statement, it clarified: “Reports claiming one of our aircraft made an emergency landing at Baghdad International Airport are inaccurate. 

The aircraft belongs to another carrier and is not linked to Iraqi Airways. We remain committed to international aviation safety standards, with our fleet undergoing regular technical checks and inspections.”

Ur Airlines later confirmed the malfunction, describing it as a “technical issue” that required a precautionary landing. “All passengers and crew are in good health, and no injuries were reported,” the airline said, adding that alternative arrangements were being made to transport travellers to Beirut.

The carrier also urged the media and public to rely on official sources and avoid spreading unverified reports that could cause unnecessary alarm.

-B