Najaf International Airport continues Iranian flights amid sanction discussions

Najaf International Airport in Iraq continues to operate flights to Iran despite recent developments regarding US sanctions on Iranian civil aviation. While the Iranian Civil Aviation Organization announced that Baghdad airport would stop receiving Iranian aircraft, coordination has been underway to divert those flights toward Najaf.

Airport officials, including Deputy Director Hussein Al-Muhanna, have denied rumors that the airport is exempt from restrictions or defying central government orders. Al-Muhanna stated that the airport remains fully committed to following any official instructions issued by local or central Iraqi authorities and will implement any bans immediately upon official notification.

Flight schedules indicate significant activity toward Iranian cities, including Tehran, Mashhad, and Rasht. However, local tourism companies have expressed concern that if Iraq implements US-led sanctions against Iranian airlines, approximately 90% of Najaf airport's activity could cease, leading to substantial economic losses and a shift toward long-distance land travel.