Iraq clears 40 daily Iranian flights to Najaf after US sanctions waiver

Iraq has cleared Iranian airlines, excluding the sanctioned carrier Mahan Air, to operate 40 daily flights to and from Najaf International Airport, the prime minister’s office said on Friday, restoring the suspended pilgrimage route after a US sanctions waiver.

Iraq had halted flights to and from Iran last week in line with sweeping US sanctions on Iranian aviation, and Iran’s civil aviation organisation suspended ticket sales to Najaf — prompting an Iranian consulate to post on X: “Najaf International Airport… is closed to the largest Shiite country in the world?!”

Reuters had reported earlier this week that the US was set to grant a one-month US Treasury waiver to allow flights carrying Shi’ite Muslim religious pilgrims between Iran and Iraq, and the Iraqi government had sought exemptions for travel related to pilgrimage, medical treatment and education.

“The Prime Minister appreciates the positive response shown by the US government to Iraqi efforts and its cooperation in granting the requested exemption,” the statement said.

The US accuses Mahan Air of transporting Iran’s Revolutionary Guards personnel, as well as weapons and drones. The United Arab Emirates suspended all Iranian airline flights until further notice on Thursday, while services between Iran and Oman were also disrupted.

Sources

• Reuters: “Iraq says 40 daily Iranian flights cleared to fly to and from Najaf” (02 Oct 2026 16:32 UTC)
• The National: “Iraq allows 40 Iranian flights a day to and from Najaf” (02 Oct 2026)