Iraq Approves Najaf Flights
Iraq grants Iranian airlines daily Najaf flights following US sanctions exemption
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Iraq has secured a US exemption to allow Iranian airlines to operate up to 40 daily flights to and from Najaf International Airport, easing air travel between the two countries after Washington sanctioned Iran's aviation sector last month Al Jazeera. The agreement excludes Mahan Air and was announced after Tehran pressed Baghdad to lift restrictions that it said harmed pilgrims, patients, students, and business travelers Al Hurra.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi welcomed the US cooperation, saying the resumed flights support an Iraqi-US partnership based on mutual respect The Frontier Post. However, flights remain suspended at Baghdad, Erbil, and Sulaimaniyah airports, forcing passengers to endure land journeys of at least 12 hours and disrupting pilgrim traffic Al Jazeera.
Najaf Becomes Iran-Iraq Air Bridge
The 40-flight-per-day cap at Najaf marks a significant reopening after US sanctions squeezed Iranian aviation Voice of Emirates. Najaf, located 160 kilometers south of Baghdad, serves as a major Shia pilgrimage hub and was selected as the exemption point rather than larger international hubs like Baghdad airport Al Jazeera. This narrower route aims to balance US sanctions enforcement with regional travel needs.
Mahan Air Remains Cut Off From Iraqi Routes
Mahan Air, Iran's second-largest carrier, is explicitly barred from the Najaf agreement due to US sanctions blacklisting it as a supplier of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Al Hurra. Other Iranian airlines like Iran Air and Keshavarz Air can operate freely under the exemption. The exclusion reflects Washington's continued pressure on specific Iranian entities despite the broader waiver Voice of Emirates.
Pilgrims Face Grueling 12-Hour Ground Journeys
The suspension of Iranian flights at Baghdad, Erbil, and Sulaimaniyah airports forces millions of pilgrims traveling to holy sites to complete journeys by road Al Jazeera. A passenger landing at Najaf must travel overland to reach other Iraqi destinations or the broader region. This limitation disrupts the flow of religious tourists and commerce between Iran and Iraq despite the Najaf exemption.
Iraq Walks Tightrope Between Tehran and Washington
Prime Minister al-Zaidi framed the exemption as proof that Iraq maintains balanced ties with both Iran and the US The Frontier Post. Baghdad pressed Washington for the waiver after Tehran formally requested relief from sanctions that Iraq said damaged its economy and people. The compromise signals Iraq's effort to preserve bilateral relations while respecting US foreign policy priorities.
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