The threat of Russian cruise missiles accidentally taking out civilian aircraft has forced the closure of airports in northeastern Iraq. Starting November 23rd, airports in two Iraqi cities will be temporarily closed due to "passenger safety".

The Iraqi government has given notice that the Erbil and Sulaymaniyah will close their airports for a 48-hour period starting November 23. Low flying cruise missiles are cited as the reason.

Cruise missiles are also small, travel at high subsonic speeds (roughly 570 miles per hour), and lack navigation lights and transponders. They also don't file flight plans.

Unlike ballistic missiles, which ascend rapidly into space, cruise missiles fly low to evade radar, often as low as 300 feet above the ground. Cruise missiles are also small, travel at high subsonic speeds (roughly 570 miles per hour), and lack navigation lights and transponders. They also don't file flight plans. A cruise missile is remote—but real—potential threat to commercial aircraft.

The closure was announced via NOTAM, or Notice to Airmen, a notice given by aviation authorities regarding airspace closures in their jurisdiction. NOTAMs are usually issued for events such as air shows, missile tests, and military exercises.

The cruise missiles in question are likely Kh-555 cruise missiles used by Russia in support of Syria's Assad regime. The missiles are being launched from Iranian airspace from Tu-95MS bombers. The bombers, flying from Engels Air Base in Russia, are being escorted by ancient F-14A Tomcats flown by Iran's air force.

Another danger is Kalibr cruise missiles launched from ships of Russia's Caspian Sea Flotilla. On October 7th, ships of the Flotilla fired 26 Kalibr missiles against targets in Syria.

Here's a video of a cruise missile—flying over Kurdish territory in Iraq.

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Via flightglobal.com

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