Iraq suspended all Iranian flight operations at its 4 major airports—Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, and Sulaimaniyah—on September 25 to comply with US measures that threatened sanctions on any company doing business with Iranian airlines after September 23. Iraqi officials sought specific exemptions for humanitarian needs, such as medical treatment, education, and religious pilgrimages, while Iranian officials warned that denying airport access could lead to wider regional aviation disruptions.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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Najaf Airport Reopens to Iranian Flights in Reversal of Total Ban
Geopolitics23 days ago
A government source says that aviation services between the two neighbors will restart at the Najaf hub within 24 hours. The decision follows a push by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's administration to secure a sanctions waiver from the US Treasury to permit civilian travel. Baghdad has faced mounting internal political and public pressure, including warnings from parliament and Iranian officials, to end restrictions that have hindered access to the holy city of Najaf.
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