Baghdad: Iraqi Airways has resumed flights between Najaf International Airport and airports in Iran, restoring a key air connection between the two countries following a brief suspension.
The resumption comes three days after flights were halted in response to US sanctions affecting Iran’s aviation sector and companies providing services to Iranian carriers.
Iraq’s official news agency reported the resumption of Iraqi Airways services, although it did not provide detailed information on the mechanism under which the flights would operate.
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The development follows efforts by the Iraqi government to secure an exemption that would allow services between Najaf and Iran to resume. Reuters reported that the United States was preparing a limited sanctions waiver allowing Iraqi Airways to operate flights between Iran and Najaf for one month.
The arrangement currently centres on flights operated by Iraqi Airways through Najaf, while restrictions affecting Iranian airlines remain in place.
Najaf International Airport had announced on September 25 that all incoming and outgoing flights to Iranian airports would be suspended until further notice following directives from the relevant authorities.
The suspension formed part of wider disruption to air links between Iraq and Iran. Flights involving Iranian carriers were halted at Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil and Sulaimaniya after Washington warned that companies conducting business with Iranian airlines could face sanctions.
Reports citing Iraqi officials said ground handling and airport service companies had declined to provide services to Iranian aircraft because of concerns that they could themselves become subject to US sanctions.
