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Iraq has allowed Iranian airlines to operate up to 40 flights a day to and from Najaf International Airport, following an exemption secured from the United States amid sanctions on Iran’s aviation sector.
The Iraqi prime minister’s office said the agreement excludes Mahan Air and aims to facilitate the movement of passengers and pilgrims, particularly for medical treatment, religious visits, tourism and education.
The decision follows the suspension of flights between Iran and Iraq last week after tighter US sanctions affected Iranian airlines and companies providing services to them.
The suspension had disrupted travel, forcing some passengers to make lengthy journeys by road and prompting protests in several Iraqi cities.
Najaf, home to major Shia Muslim shrines, is a major destination for Iranian religious pilgrims. Iraqi authorities had been seeking a US exemption to restore air links for humanitarian and religious purposes.
Earlier this week, Iraqi Airways resumed flights between Najaf and Iranian airports after obtaining a special exemption.
The initial exemption was intended to facilitate essential travel, including religious pilgrimage and medical treatment.
The latest agreement expands the scope of permitted flights by allowing Iranian carriers, except Mahan Air, to operate 40 daily services to and from Najaf.
Flights to and from Baghdad, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah involving Iran remain suspended, according to reports.
