A spokesperson for Dubai-based carrier flydubai has confirmed its aircraft was hit with gunfire upon landing at the Baghdad International Airport Monday night, noting the case remains under investigation.
A slew of bullets hit the aircraft as it entered the airport, Kurdish media group KNN reported Monday, and two people were rushed to the hospital for injuries sustained during the incident. The vessel was damaged with what appeared to be consistent with "small arms fire," but no casualties were reported, according to the spokesperson.
A statement by the airline said "no medical attention was required at the airport," and passengers exited the plane normally. A replacement aircraft was sent to accommodate passengers travelling back to Dubai.
Earlier reports by KNN, however, reported two passengers, including a little girl on board, were wounded in the shooting.
Kuwait-based Al Awan newspaper quoted informed sources in Baghdad saying: “Sources believe the attack was launched from an area close to the runway where the plane landed.”
Meanwhile, both Emirates and Etihad Airways have suspended services to Baghdad, and a Amman flight scheduled to arrive in Baghdad later Monday night was cancelled following the attack.
Etihad has also posted a travel alert that says: “To comply with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority ban on operation to and from Baghdad on security grounds, Etihad Airways has suspended all flights to the Iraqi city with immediate effect and until further notice.
“The safety of our customers and employees is always our first priority. We will continue to work closely with the authorities and monitor the security situation before recommencing scheduled services to Baghdad.”
Both the assailants and the motive for the gunfire remain unclear, but some have speculated the indident and its target could be related to a UAE decision last November to place Iraq-based Shia militia group Asa'ib Ahl Alhaq on their national terror list, while others have mentioned other Iraqi militias also placed on the terror list, according to Jordanian state news agency, Niroon news.
No militia has so far taken responsibility for the incident.
