Iraq has partially restored passenger flights with Iran, with services operating only through Iraqi Airways while other carriers remain suspended, PUKmedia reported on September 29, citing Iraq’s state news agency INA.
The limited reopening keeps a travel corridor available for pilgrims while Baghdad manages the impact of US sanctions on Iranian aviation. It also leaves restrictions on Iranian aircraft in place, meaning the route is being reopened without allowing Iranian carriers to fly through Iraqi airspace.
Iraqi Ambassador to Iran Yasser Abdul Zahra Hajjaj said Najaf International Airport had been reopened to flights serving Iranian passengers after diplomatic efforts by Baghdad.
“The Iraqi government has not issued any decision to suspend flights, but airlines have halted ground services to avoid sanctions,” Hajjaj said, according to PUKmedia.
Hajjaj said the resumption did not include Iranian aircraft and that restrictions on Iranian flights over Iraqi airspace remained in force. Iraqi Airways is the only carrier authorised to transport passengers between the two countries.
Iraq suspended flights to Iran on September 25 in compliance with US sanctions targeting more than 36 airlines. Baghdad later secured a temporary exemption aimed at preventing disruption to air travel for Iraqi pilgrims.