Rising Smoke Reported Near Erbil International Airport Amid Regional Military Activity

Reports of smoke rising near Erbil International Airport in Iraq as tensions escalate between the US, Israel, and Iran in February 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 28, 2026, 5:50 AM EST

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Shafaq News

Smoke Observed Near Strategic Hub

Columns of smoke were visible from multiple districts across Erbil on Saturday morning, appearing in the vicinity of Erbil International Airport. Local residents and eyewitnesses shared reports of the smoke as air traffic at the airport was officially suspended. The airport is a critical piece of infrastructure for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, functioning as a primary gateway for both international travel and military logistics for the US led coalition.

Regional Military Context and Airspace Closures

The incident occurred during a broader escalation of hostilities, following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran. In response, Iranian authorities reportedly launched missile and drone strikes targeting various locations across the region. Amid these developments, Iraq’s Transportation Ministry announced the closure of the country's national airspace to all civilian flights until further notice, a move mirrored by several neighboring Gulf states.

Reports of Drone Interceptions

While official statements regarding the specific source of the smoke near the airport are pending, security reports from the Kurdistan region indicated that at least one explosive laden drone was shot down in the skies near Erbil earlier in the day. Counter terrorism services in the region stated that the interception occurred without causing casualties. Security officials have not yet confirmed if the visible smoke was related to this interception or a separate event.