Dubai-based Emirates Airline has confirmed it will stop routing flights through Iraqi airspace in order to protect against the threat of Islamic militants.

The decision follows the crash of Malaysian Airlines MH17 earlier this month, which came down over territory held by pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine. 

Emirates said it is already re-routing some flights, with the process expected to be completed in a matter of days.

“We are closely monitoring the situation along with international agencies, and will never compromise the safety of our customers and crew,” said Emirates in a statement.

The MH17 disaster has been attributed to a missile fired on the ground in Ukraine by pro-Russian rebels, although Russia has blamed the Ukranian government.