The flight suspension began after US officials warned that servicing Iranian aircraft could lock Iraqi airports out of the US dollar system, sparking protests and threats from the militant group Kataib Hezbollah to shut airports to all foreign states by October 1. While a separate US Treasury waiver through October 28 had previously permitted limited pilgrim flights via Iraqi Airways, this new agreement expands access to most Iranian-registered airlines for the first time since the restrictions were imposed.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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Iraq Permits 40 Daily Iranian Flights to Najaf via US Exemption
Geopolitics19 days ago
The Iraqi government has reopened its airspace for Iranian aviation carriers at Najaf International Airport after receiving regulatory clearance from Washington. Under a new US sanctions exemption, Iranian airlines—excluding Mahan Air—are now authorized to operate 40 flights per day to ease passenger travel and support medical and humanitarian needs. Iraq's prime minister thanked the US government for approving the measure, which restores connectivity that was largely severed earlier this month.
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