Iranian Airlines Resume Flights to Najaf After US Exemption | ChatZyr
By Editorial Desk | Team ChatZyr
Iranian airlines have resumed flights to Iraq’s Najaf after Baghdad secured a US exemption allowing certain sanctioned Iranian carriers to operate to the city.
Najaf airport official Hussein Muhanna confirmed that flights between Iran and Iraq had resumed through Najaf International Airport. The first returning flight was operated by Caspian Airlines and landed at around 5:15pm local time on Sunday.
The resumption follows an agreement announced by the Iraqi government on Friday allowing Iranian airlines, with the exception of Mahan Air, to operate up to 40 flights a day to and from Najaf International Airport.
The arrangement came after Iraq suspended flights involving Iranian carriers in line with US sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector. The restrictions disrupted an important travel route between the neighbouring countries, particularly for religious pilgrims.
Najaf is a major destination for Iranian travellers because of its important Shia religious sites. Iranian airlines also carry passengers travelling between the two countries for medical treatment, education and other essential purposes.
The United States has separately granted Iraqi Airways a waiver to operate flights between Najaf and Iran, with services expected to begin during October. The waiver is subject to conditions and does not represent a general removal of US sanctions on Iranian aviation.
For now, the exemption remains limited. Mahan Air is excluded from the arrangement, while restrictions affecting Iranian flights to other Iraqi airports remain in place.
The reopening of the Najaf route restores a key civilian air connection between Iran and Iraq and is expected to ease travel difficulties for pilgrims, patients, students and other passengers.
Published on Chatzyr.net
Written By Editorial Desk | Team ChatZyr
Disclaimer: This report is based on statements from Iraqi authorities, airport officials and reporting by established international news organisations. Details concerning sanctions exemptions, flight schedules and aviation restrictions may change as governments and airlines issue further updates.
