Baghdad, October 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Najaf International Airport has resumed direct air connectivity with Iran, receiving its first flight from Tehran after Iraq secured a US waiver allowing Iranian airlines to operate flights to and from the Iraqi city.
The first post-suspension flight was operated by Iran’s Caspian Airlines, with airport authorities welcoming passengers and giving the aircraft a traditional water-cannon salute upon arrival.
The resumption follows an agreement announced by the Iraqi government on October 2 under which Iranian airlines, with the exception of Mahan Air, can operate up to 40 flights a day to and from Najaf International Airport.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s media office said the arrangement was made possible after the US government granted a requested exemption. The move is expected to facilitate travel for pilgrims, medical patients and tourists between the two countries.
Najaf airport had suspended all flights to and from Iran on September 25 following US Treasury sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector. The measures affected authorisations that had allowed non-US airlines to operate US-origin or US-controlled commercial aircraft into Iran.
The flight resumption comes amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said diplomacy remained the only way to end the conflict, while warning that Iran was prepared to respond if military confrontation resumed.
Araghchi also said Iran had proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz within seven days under a diplomatic arrangement, while reiterating Tehran’s readiness to defend itself.
FOLLOW NOW
