Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Iraq's Najaf Airport Suspends Iranian Flights Under US Sanctions
Najaf airport in Iraq stopped flights to and from Iran.
The decision followed instructions from Iraq's government to enforce United States sanctions.
Iranian planes normally carry pilgrims, students, patients, and other travelers.
Many people now have to travel by bus, taxi, or car instead.
These land trips can take at least 12 hours.
Buses and taxis are becoming crowded and more expensive.
One patient worried that he could not reach Iran for a kidney transplant.
Another Iraqi student was stranded in the Iranian city of Qom after his flight home was canceled.
Najaf airport halted all flights between Iraq and Iran following a directive from Iraq's prime minister's office.
The suspension enforces United States sanctions against Iranian airlines, with other Iraqi airports reportedly also complying.
Iranian flights serve Shia pilgrims, students, patients, and visitors traveling between the two countries.
Passengers now face land journeys of at least 12 hours, with transport reportedly crowded and more expensive.
A dialysis patient seeking a kidney transplant and a doctoral student stranded in Qom were among those affected.
- Who
- Iraq's government, Iranian airlines, travelers, pilgrims, students, and medical patients are involved.
- What
- Najaf airport suspended all flights between Iraq and Iran to enforce United States sanctions on Iranian airlines.
- When
- The suspension began on Friday; the article does not provide a specific date.
- Where
- Najaf airport in Najaf, Iraq, with effects also reported at other Iraqi airports and in Iran.
- Why
- The flights were halted following a directive from Iraq's prime minister's office as Iraq enforced United States sanctions.
Sanctions Enforcement
Humanitarian and Travel Concerns
Reason for suspending flights
Sanctions Enforcement
Iraq is enforcing United States sanctions after a directive from the prime minister's office, following warnings that Iranian airlines would shut down.
Humanitarian and Travel Concerns
Travelers and airline workers face major disruption, with passengers stranded or forced to seek longer and more expensive land routes.
Effect on essential travel
Sanctions Enforcement
The suspension applies to flights serving religious travel, education, and medical trips between Iraq and Iran.
Humanitarian and Travel Concerns
Patients, students, and pilgrims say the loss of flights threatens access to treatment, studies, and religious destinations.
- Affected airport
- Najaf airport, a major hub for Iranian flights in Iraq
- Flight suspension
- All flights between Iran and Najaf were halted on Friday
- Government directive
- The action followed instructions from Iraq's prime minister's office to Najaf's governor
- Other airports
- A government source said all Iraqi airports, including those in Kurdistan, enforced the ban
- Typical Iranian airline service
- An airline employee said Iranian carriers usually operate at least 20 daily flights at Najaf
- Alternative travel
- Land journeys now take at least 12 hours, depending on the destination
- Reported impact
- Taxis and buses were described as packed, with prices rising