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Iraq’s Najaf International Airport has suspended all flights to and from Iran to enforce US sanctions on Iranian airlines, the airport director confirmed.
Airport director Hussein Muhanna told AFP that “all flights were halted between Iran and Najaf airport following a directive from the prime minister’s office to the governor” of Najaf.
The suspension took effect at 02:00 am local time on Friday, according to Muhanna, affecting one of Iraq’s busiest routes for Iranian air travel.
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Located in the holy city of Najaf, south of Baghdad, the airport serves as a major gateway for religious visitors between Iraq and Iran. The flights largely transport Iraqi Shia pilgrims travelling to Iran’s sacred cities, while also carrying Iranian visitors heading to holy sites in Iraq.
The routes also support Iraqi students studying in Iran and patients travelling across the border for medical treatment.
The move reflects the impact of wider US measures targeting Iranian airlines. Several sources, including a senior Iraqi government official, told AFP earlier that Baghdad would enforce the US ban on Iranian carriers, following similar actions by other countries, including the United Arab Emirates.
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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had earlier said Iranian airlines would “shut down” as part of efforts to restrict Tehran’s aviation links.
Despite the suspension of air travel, land routes between the two countries remain open. Iraq continues to be a key destination for Iranian airlines, particularly after Iraqi carriers stopped flying to Iran at the start of the Middle East war in February.
The decision comes as Iraq balances its long-standing ties with Iran, shaped by shared religious connections and political relations, with international measures targeting Tehran.
