A Canadian court has ruled unanimously in favour of Kuwait Airways in its long-running dispute with Iraq Airways. The case stems from the First Gulf War when the Kuwati airline claims Iraq stole aircraft and parts following its invasion of the Gulf state in 1990.
Following a legal battle in the UK and Canada, the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that Iraq cannot rely on state immunity to stop Kuwait from trying to seize Iraqi assets in Canada, including Bombardier aircraft. The Supreme Court ruling overturned two decisions by lower courts in Quebec, which ruled Iraq was entitled to state immunity from an US$84 million (Dh308.5m) legal judgment awarded to Kuwait Airways in a British court.
The case has been sent back to the Quebec Superior Court to rehear Kuwait's application for legal recognition of its British judgment in Canada.