The Aporia
The Aporia
The Straits Times. (2026, October 2). Iraq says 40 daily Iranian flights cleared to fly to and from Najaf. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/iraq-says-40-daily-iranian-flights-cleared-to-fly-to-and-from-najaf
The Straits Times. “Iraq says 40 daily Iranian flights cleared to fly to and from Najaf.” The Straits Times, 2 Oct. 2026, https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/iraq-says-40-daily-iranian-flights-cleared-to-fly-to-and-from-najaf.
The Straits Times. “Iraq says 40 daily Iranian flights cleared to fly to and from Najaf.” The Straits Times, October 2, 2026. https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/iraq-says-40-daily-iranian-flights-cleared-to-fly-to-and-from-najaf.
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On September 23, 2026, the U.S. announced sanctions against Iranian airlines, disrupting travel between Iran and Iraq. Four major Iraqi airports halted all flights to and from Iran in compliance with these sanctions. This action significantly impacted Shia pilgrims traveling for religious visits, students studying across borders, and patients seeking medical treatment.
In response, Iraq began direct talks with the U.S., requesting exemptions that would allow humanitarian flights, including those for medical treatment and education, to resume. The Iraqi government emphasized the importance of these travel routes due to cultural ties between Shia-majority countries.
On September 28, sources close to President Donald Trump's administration indicated a limited waiver would be granted for flights specifically carrying religious pilgrims between Iran and Iraq’s Najaf city for one month. Following this announcement, commercial flights resumed on Monday at the Najaf airport, allowing up to 40 daily Iranian flights excluding Mahan Air.
Iraqi officials stated that this move appreciates U.S. cooperation in addressing Iraqi needs while also facilitating communication links between the two nations. Additionally, Iran's ambassador highlighted that roughly 12,000 to 13,000 people travel daily via these airlines, underscoring the significant impact of the suspension on both countries' populations.
