Qantas flight barred from Iraq airspace

Qantas was now liaising with Iraqi authorities to determine why the plane had been denied entry. -- PHOTO: AP

SYDNEY - A QANTAS plane flying from London to Singapore was diverted out of Iraqi airspace on Monday, the Australian flag carrier said, after officials on the ground refused to recognise a pre-approved flight plan.

QF 32 had to divert to Dubai to refuel as a result, a Qantas spokesman told AFP, describing it as an 'unusual' incident.

'The flight path was interrupted by Iraq Air Services who would not allow the aircraft into Iraq airspace due to them not recognising the authority (to enter) and the pre-approved flight path request,' the spokesman said.

Qantas was now liaising with Iraqi authorities to determine why the plane had been denied entry, she added. -- AFP