Iraq Approves 40 Daily Flights for Iranian Airlines to and from Najaf

Iraq has permitted Iranian airlines, with the exception of Mahan Air, to operate 40 daily flights to and from Najaf International Airport, according to an announcement made by Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi's office on Friday.

The statement explained that the decision was reached “through a series of communications and follow-ups with the relevant parties,” an apparent reference to the US, which enacted sanctions on Iranian air travel during the previous month. Mr Zaidi expressed gratitude for “the positive response of the US government to Iraq’s efforts and its co-operation in granting the requested exemption” aimed at easing travel for pilgrims and individuals seeking medical treatment.

Earlier in the week, the Iranian Civil Aviation Organisation reported that ticket sales destined for Najaf had been halted, prompting an Iranian consulate in the city to voice strong opposition. The consulate posted on X: “Najaf International Airport, the shrine of the first Imam of the Shiites, and the capital of their last Imam, is closed to the largest Shiite country in the world?!”

Najaf serves as the location of the Shrine of Imam Ali, who was the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Mohammed. In June, the coffin carrying Iran's late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was taken through the city during a funeral detour in Iraq. Although flights directed to Baghdad were halted on Wednesday, Iranian state media initially indicated that the route to Najaf would stay operational. Meanwhile, the Iraqi Transport Ministry announced on Tuesday that Iraqi Airways plans to restart flights connecting to and from Iran in October.

Although Iraq had not made an official announcement regarding the ban enacted last Friday, ground-handling companies ceased operations for the routes due to concerns over potential sanctions from the US Treasury. These sanctions form part of the broader US strategy aimed at economically isolating Iran and compelling concessions during the conflict. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Monday that any entities engaging with Iranian airlines would be “knocked out of the dollar system.” In the wake of these sanctions, the UAE announced on Thursday the indefinite suspension of all flights managed by Iranian airlines to and from the country, while flights connecting Iran and Oman have also experienced disruptions.