Iraq Allows 40 Daily Flights by Iranian Airlines to and From Najaf Airport

Iraq has agreed to allow Iranian airlines to operate up to 40 daily flights to and from Najaf airport, according to reports, in an arrangement that notably excludes Mahan Air.

The exclusion of Mahan Air from the agreement followed a request for an exemption that was granted by the United States, which has previously placed sanctions on the carrier over its alleged ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Religious tourism route

Najaf is a major destination for religious pilgrims, particularly Shia Muslims visiting its holy sites, and flight connections between Iran and Najaf carry significant numbers of travelers each year for pilgrimage purposes.

The arrangement reflects the balancing act Iraq often performs between maintaining close ties with Iran, a key regional partner, and managing its relationship with the United States, which maintains sanctions on a number of Iranian entities, including certain airlines.

By allowing other Iranian carriers to operate daily flights while keeping Mahan Air excluded, Iraqi authorities appear to be seeking a path that accommodates pilgrimage travel demand while respecting the sanctions exemption process involving Washington.

Further details on which specific airlines will operate the newly allowed flights were not specified in available reporting.