Iraq’s Najaf International Airport has suspended all incoming and outgoing flights to and from Iran. According to airport authorities, the flight suspension took effect on Friday, September 25, at 2:00 AM local time and will remain in place until further notice.
Airport management has instructed relevant airlines and entities associated with flight operations to halt activities concerning the affected flights, noting that airlines will be notified when new guidelines for resuming operations are issued. This development comes on the heels of similar measures at Baghdad International Airport, which halted Iranian airline flights starting Wednesday. Prior to this, Iraqi officials had been considering shifting Iranian flights from Baghdad to Najaf.
The suspensions arrive as the United States expands its sanctions against Iranian airlines, threatening penalties against any entities providing fuel, landing, or other airport services to Iranian carriers. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent previously warned that companies offering services to Iranian airlines could face US sanctions. Najaf Airport is vital for air connectivity between Iran and Iraq, particularly for Iranian pilgrims traveling to religious sites in Najaf and Karbala, meaning this latest shutdown is expected to severely impact regional travel and visitor movement. Previously, Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority reported that some flights to Baghdad and Muscat had been canceled while efforts continued on other international routes, though Najaf’s closure further narrows available international pathways for Iranian airlines.
