Iranian Airlines Resume Flights To Iraq’s Najaf After US Waive
Iranian airlines have resumed flights to Iraq’s Najaf after the United States granted Baghdad an exemption allowing sanctioned Iranian carriers to operate to the city.
Najaf airport official Hussein Muhanna confirmed that flights between Iraq and Iran had resumed through Najaf International Airport. The first flight was operated by Caspian Airlines and landed at the airport at 5:15 pm local time on Sunday.
The Iraqi government said on Friday that it had reached an agreement with the United States allowing Iranian airlines, except Mahan Air, to operate up to 40 daily flights to and from Najaf.
The exemption comes after Iraq enforced a US ban on Iranian carriers last month, disrupting travel between the two countries. Najaf is a major destination for Iranian pilgrims visiting religious sites in Iraq.
Iranian airlines also serve Iraqi students studying in Iran and patients travelling there for medical treatment.
The United States has also granted Iraqi Airways a waiver to operate flights between Najaf and Iran, with services expected to begin this month.
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