Iranian Airlines to Resume 40 Daily Flights to Najaf Following US Exemption

Najaf International Airport

Iranian airplane at Najaf International Airport.

Iranian airlines excluding Mahan Air are allowed 40 daily flights to and ‌from Iraq's Najaf international airport, the Iraqi prime minister's office said on Friday, following a suspension of flights due to US sanctions.

Iraq had ⁠halted flights to and from Iran last week, in line with US sanctions.

The Media Office of the Iraqi Prime Minister has announced that Iranian airlines will be permitted to operate 40 flights a day to and from Najaf Al-Ashraf International Airport, following government efforts to facilitate travel and address humanitarian, medical, religious, tourism and educational needs.

In a statement, the office said the decision followed Prime Minister’s close personal follow-up on the resumption of Iranian airline services to and from Najaf Al-Ashraf International Airport, including a series of communications with the relevant parties.

The statement said the efforts resulted in an agreement allowing Iranian airlines to operate up to 40 daily flights to and from the airport, with Mahan Air excluded from the arrangement.

The Prime Minister also welcomed what the statement described as a positive response from the US government to Iraq’s efforts, including its cooperation in granting the requested exemption.

According to the statement, the exemption will help resolve the issue and facilitate the movement of visitors and travellers, particularly those travelling for medical treatment, religious pilgrimages and tourism.

The Prime Minister’s Office said the cooperation demonstrated the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding in addressing humanitarian issues, adding that diplomatic channels and responsible communication could produce practical solutions that take into account the interests and needs of the public.

Reuters reported earlier this week that the US was set to grant a one-month US Treasury waiver to allow for flights carrying Shi'ite Muslim religious pilgrims between ‌Iran ⁠and Iraq.

The Iraqi government had sought exemptions for travel related to pilgrimage, medical treatment and education.

The US accuses Iranian carrier Mahan Air ⁠of transporting Iran's Revolutionary Guards personnel, as well as weapons and drones.



PUKMEDIA