Iraq's Ambassador to Iran, Yaser Abd al-Zahraa al-Hajjaj, announced on Monday that Najaf International Airport will resume receiving Iranian flights within 24 hours. According to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), al-Hajjaj stated that the Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zeid, is making continuous efforts to restore air travel between the two neighboring countries. The move aims to revive the flow of travelers, students, and businesspeople between Iraq and Iran.
Al-Hajjaj clarified that there was no government decision to halt flights with Iran; instead, foreign ground service companies ceased their services due to fear of US sanctions. He emphasized that the temporary suspension of flights does not reflect the depth of relations between the two countries. The ambassador's statement came after a meeting with Iranian officials, during which they discussed ways to overcome the obstacles hindering air travel.
The suspension of flights between Iraq and Iran was described by al-Hajjaj as a temporary and transient circumstance that does not affect the historical ties and strong bonds between the two nations. He assured that the Iraqi government is working diligently to restore normal air travel as soon as possible. The ambassador highlighted the significance of resuming flights, which affects not only tourism and travel but also the lives of thousands of Iraqi students and residents in Iran.
There are approximately 100,000 Iraqi students studying in Iranian educational institutions, in addition to a large Iraqi community estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands. Thousands of travelers commute daily between the two countries through various airports and border crossings. Al-Hajjaj stressed that the resumption of flights is essential for facilitating the movement of students, expatriates, and travelers.
The smooth flow of air transport is also crucial for promoting economic, social, and cultural communication between the two nations. Al-Hajjaj's statement was welcomed by Iranian officials, who expressed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. The two countries have a long history of cooperation in various fields, including trade, energy, and security.
The reopening of Najaf International Airport to Iranian flights is expected to boost people-to-people exchanges and strengthen economic ties between Iraq and Iran. The airport, located in the holy city of Najaf, is a significant hub for pilgrims and travelers visiting Iraq's religious sites. Iraqi authorities have been working to improve airport infrastructure and services to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
The resumption of flights between Iraq and Iran is seen as a positive step towards reviving the pre-pandemic level of travel and trade between the two countries. With the easing of restrictions and the resumption of flights, Iraq and Iran are poised to strengthen their bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in various fields.
Key points
- Najaf International Airport to resume Iranian flights within 24 hours.
- The suspension of flights was due to foreign ground service companies' fear of US sanctions.
- Resumption of flights crucial for students, expatriates, and travelers between Iraq and Iran.
