# Iranian international aviation disruptions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/iranian-international-aviation-disruptions > Updated: 2026-09-26T08:15:00.000Z. Sources: 41. Developments: 4. International flight routes involving Iran are facing significant disruptions due to sanctions and aviation restrictions. In Iraq, services to Iranian airlines have been suspended at Baghdad airport, though Najaf International Airport has historically remained operational. As of September 25, 2026, Najaf International Airport suspended all incoming and outgoing flights to and from Iran following the implementation of a comprehensive package of new United States sanctions targeting the Iranian aviation sector. These measures target 27 airlines and prohibit companies from providing fuel, maintenance, ground handling, and ticket sales. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that entities providing services to Iranian aircraft risk exclusion from the dollar-based international financial system. In response to the cessation of flights to Najaf, the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran suspended ticket sales and displays for flights to Iraq. Airlines were instructed to issue full refunds and organize domestic flights to Iranian border airports to facilitate travel. The United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Turkmenistan have also implemented restrictions or suspensions on Iranian carriers. Specifically, the UAE has halted all Iranian airline operations, while Turkey and Oman have suspended flights from Mahan Air. On September 26, 2026, the Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, entered direct diplomatic negotiations with the United States to seek exemptions for certain Iraqi airports, including Erbil and Sulaymaniyah. Baghdad is seeking these exemptions on humanitarian grounds to facilitate the movement of medical patients, students, and religious pilgrims. The flight suspensions have triggered domestic unrest, with protests reported in Basra and Baghdad. Iraqi officials have warned of potential economic consequences, particularly for the Najaf region, where Iranian flights account for approximately 60% of total traffic, impacting local hotels, restaurants, and airport staff. ## Claims - Iraq is negotiating with the US to exempt specific airports from sanctions targeting Iranian airlines. (corroborated by 19 sources) - The goal of the exemption is to resume flights for medical treatment, education, and religious pilgrimages. (corroborated by 19 sources) - Prior to the flight suspensions, 12,000 to 13,000 passengers traveled daily via 40 flights between Iran and Iraq. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The US Treasury Department sanctioned 36 entities in the Iranian aviation sector, including 27 airlines. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The Iranian Ambassador to Iraq stated that a decision regarding the resumption of flights will be made soon. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The UAE Central Bank prohibited Bank Melli branches from conducting transactions with Iran. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Turkish authorities revoked the operating license of Bank Mellat. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Protests have occurred in Basra and Baghdad in response to the flight restrictions. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-26: Iraq seeks US exemptions to restore Iranian flights amid regional sanctions Iraq is negotiating with the US for exemptions to Iranian airline sanctions to restore vital humanitarian, medical, and religious flights following widespread regional aviation disruptions. 37 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraq-seeks-us-exemptions-from-sanctions-on-iranian-airlines ### 2026-09-25: Iran suspends flight ticket sales to Iraq, specifically Najaf route Iran's Civil Aviation Organization has suspended ticket sales for flights to Iraq, particularly the Najaf route, and ordered full refunds for affected passengers. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-suspends-flight-ticket-sales-to-iraq-specifically-najaf-route ### 2026-09-23: Iran international flight routes face disruptions and cancellations Flight services from Iran to Georgia, Oman, and Azerbaijan have been cancelled. While Baghdad airport has suspended services to Iranian airlines, flights to Najaf, China, and most Turkish destinations continue. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-international-flight-routes-face-disruptions-and-cancellations ### 2026-09-23: Najaf International Airport continues Iranian flights amid sanction discussions Najaf International Airport continues to facilitate flights to Iran amid discussions of US sanctions, with officials stating they will comply with any official Iraqi government bans once formally notified. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/najaf-international-airport-continues-iranian-flights-amid-sanction-discussions --- Cite as: Iranian international aviation disruptions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/iranian-international-aviation-disruptions