Syrian Arab Airlines turns away Iraqi passengers without visas

CAIRO (AFP) Apr 18, 2003
Syrian Arab Airlines, the country's national carrier, will turn away Iraqi passengers who do not have valid visas on flights to Damascus, Egyptian airport authorities said here Friday.

EgyptAir is also not allowing Iraqis on flights before getting authorization from the country of their destination.

Lebanese authorities have asked Cairo airport officials to apply such measures on Iraqi passengers bound for Beirut, the Egyptian authorities said.

The decisions followed accusations by the United States that Syria is hosting members of the deposed Iraqi regime, a charge denied by Damascus.

A source close to the Lebanese foreign ministry said Friday that the United States has asked Beirut to deny asylum to fleeing former Iraqi leaders.

SPACE.WIRE