Iraq's Najaf airport, a major hub for Shia pilgrims, has suspended all Iranian flights, enforcing US sanctions. The airport, located in the holy city of Najaf, south of Baghdad, is a key destination for Iranian flights in Iraq. The suspension has left travelers scrambling for alternative solutions. Najaf airport director Hussein Muhanna confirmed that all flights between Iran and Najaf airport have been halted following a directive from the prime minister's office.
The suspension of Iranian flights has significant implications for travelers, particularly those requiring medical treatment in Iran. Haidar Mansour, 50, was scheduled to travel to Iran for a kidney transplant but now faces a lengthy land journey. Instead of a short flight, passengers will have to take a land route of at least 12 hours, depending on the destination. This has raised concerns about the impact on people's lives, with Mansour stating that his situation is critical.
The ban on Iranian flights has been enforced across all Iraqi airports, including those in Kurdistan. A government source confirmed that the suspension is part of the US sanctions on Iran. The flights mainly carried Iraqi Shia pilgrims to Iran's holy cities or Iranians visiting sacred sites in Iraq. They also served Iraqi students studying in Iran and patients seeking medical treatment.
The suspension has affected not only travelers but also airline employees. An Iraqi employee of an Iranian airline at Najaf airport stated that Iranian carriers usually operate at least 20 daily flights, but now only four flights to other destinations remain scheduled. The employee expressed frustration, saying that there is no point in going to the airport if there are no flights.
The relationship between Iraq and Iran is complex, with deep ties shaped by both religion and politics. Both countries have a Shia majority, and Iraq has joined several other countries, including the United Arab Emirates, in enforcing the US ban. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had warned that Iranian airlines would "shut down" if the sanctions were enforced.
The suspension of Iranian flights has led to a surge in demand for land transportation, with taxis and buses already "packed and prices rising." Iraqi doctoral student Assad Jabbar, stranded in the holy city of Qom, is one of those affected. He is now forced to take the longer land route, which is not only time-consuming but also expensive.
The impact of the suspension will be felt across the region, with Iraq being one of the top destinations for Iranian airlines. The ban has raised concerns about the humanitarian implications, particularly for those requiring medical treatment or traveling for religious purposes. The situation remains uncertain, with no clear indication of when the flights will resume.
Key points
- Iraq's Najaf airport has suspended all Iranian flights, enforcing US sanctions.
- The suspension has significant implications for travelers, particularly those requiring medical treatment in Iran.
- The ban has been enforced across all Iraqi airports, including those in Kurdistan.
