Iranian Airlines Resume Najaf Flights After US Exemption
Najaf International Airport official Hussein Muhanna confirmed that flights between Iraq and Iran had resumed through the airport.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Iranian airlines resumed flights to Iraq’s Najaf on Sunday after the United States granted Baghdad an exemption allowing sanctioned Iranian carriers to operate flights to the Shia holy city, an AFP correspondent reported.
Najaf International Airport official Hussein Muhanna confirmed that flights between Iraq and Iran had resumed through the airport.
The first flight was operated by Caspian Airlines, with an AFP correspondent at the airport reporting that the aircraft landed at 5:15 p.m. local time (1415 GMT).
On Friday, the Iraqi government said it had reached an agreement with Washington allowing Iranian airlines, except Mahan Air, to operate 40 daily flights to and from Najaf.
Najaf is home to one of the most revered Shia Muslim shrines and serves as a major destination for Iranian travelers, particularly religious pilgrims.
Last month, Iraq enforced US sanctions on Iranian carriers, disrupting flights and leaving travelers seeking alternative routes. Najaf International Airport was particularly affected due to its role as a major hub for flights between Iraq and Iran.
Iranian airlines mainly transport Shia pilgrims to Iran’s holy cities and Iranian visitors to religious sites in Iraq. They also carry Iraqi students studying in Iran and patients traveling for medical treatment.
The United States has also granted Iraq’s national carrier, Iraqi Airways, a waiver to operate flights between Najaf and Iran. Those flights are expected to begin this month.
US sanctions on Iranian airlines are part of Washington’s broader pressure campaign against Tehran amid the ongoing conflict between the two countries.