US Exemption Opens Sky for 40 Daily Iran Flights to Iraq’s Holy City
Iraq will now allow up to 40 daily flights for Iranian airlines to Najaf International Airport. This decision comes after the United States granted an exemption from its sanctions. Only Mahan Air remains excluded from this new agreement.
The office of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced the deal on Friday. It came one day after Tehran asked Baghdad to lift earlier flight restrictions. Iran had said the ban harmed pilgrims, patients, students, and businesses.
This agreement helps improve travel between the two countries. The US had placed sanctions on Iran’s aviation sector last month. This action had made foreign ground-handling companies refuse to service Iranian aircraft. Flights then stopped at four Iraqi airports.
Iraq’s government had direct talks with Washington to seek an exemption. Prime Minister al-Zaidi welcomed the “positive response” from the US government. He thanked them for their help in granting the necessary exemption. He also said air travel helps connect people, not just airports.
Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein also spoke about the flights returning. He said it supports the partnership between Iraq and the US. Mr. Hussein welcomed US understanding of the need to respect religious freedom. This helps visitors access holy sites.
Najaf is a key destination for Iranian pilgrims in Iraq. Before the flight ban, about 25 daily flights went from Iran to Najaf. Another 15 flights went to Baghdad. Between 12,000 and 13,000 people traveled daily on Iranian airlines.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry had called the US sanctions “illegal and inhumane.” They said the sanctions were hurting Iran’s trade and air travel. Flights between Najaf and Iran restarted on Monday.
However, flights to Baghdad, Erbil, and Sulaimaniyah airports are still stopped. Passengers must now make long land journeys. These trips can take at least 12 hours. This continues to disrupt travel for many pilgrims.
