Resumption of flights between Iran and Iraq via Najaf airport after a US exemption

⏱️ Timeline

1. 2 Oct 2026, 15:06 Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on Iraq to overcome the US restrictions imposed on airline flights and to resume flights between the two countries, describing the US sanctions as "illegal and inhumane". It noted that the restrictions cause problems for thousands of pilgrims, patients and students, while the Iraqi government is holding direct dialogue with Washington to exempt some of its airports, and Iraqi Airways announced its readiness to resume its flights from Najaf airport.
2. 2 Oct 2026, 22:33 Baghdad announced reaching a US exemption allowing Iranian airlines, with the exception of "Mahan Air", to operate up to 40 flights daily from and to Najaf International Airport, days after flights between Iraq and Iran were suspended in compliance with US sanctions that took effect on 23 September. The media office of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said the agreement came as a result of contacts and follow-ups with the concerned parties to facilitate the movement of travelers.
3. 3 Oct 2026, 21:20 lbcgroup.tv reported that flights between Iran and Najaf in Iraq will resume tomorrow, Sunday.
4. 4 Oct 2026, 13:00 The head of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization, Captain Abouzar Shiroudi, announced the resumption of flights between Iran and Iraq as of Sunday, 4 October 2026, via Iranian and Iraqi airlines. Shiroudi said the decision was issued based on directives from the higher authorities in both countries, called on travelers to follow flight schedules through the official websites of airlines and departure airport platforms, and advised those wishing to travel to Najaf airport to book their tickets.

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