Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways announced Thursday a suspension of flights to Iraqi Kurdistan's capital of Arbil because of fighting in northern Iraq.

The decision was taken for the safety of passengers and crew, the airline, which has four Abu Dhabi-Arbil flights a week, said in a statement.

Jihadist militants on the offensive in northern Iraq seized Iraq's largest Christian town and areas around Qaraqosh on Thursday, moving within striking distance of autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan.