The first flight of Iraqi Airways, known as "Al-Iraqiyeh," resumed today on the route from Najaf to Tehran after a period of suspension. This flight, considered a milestone in the air communications between the two countries, landed at Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran.
Facilitating Passenger Movement and Air Connections
Iraqi Airways announced in a statement that the aim of resuming flights is to facilitate passenger movement and expand regional air connections, especially in the fields of religious, medical, and educational services. These flights will operate as round trips and are expected to enhance cultural and economic exchanges between the two countries.
Read more: The Strait of Hormuz and the Shadow of War's Return in the Region
New Agreements and Efforts by the Baghdad Government
The Iraqi government had previously announced on October 8 that it would resume direct flights to Iran. This decision was made after extensive consultations with Iran and obtaining a limited exemption from U.S. sanctions. The Iraqi Ministry of Transport also stated that this action is part of efforts to reactivate air transport and strengthen air connections with other regional destinations.
Previously, flights of Iranian airlines to Iraq had been suspended since October 23, 2023, following the imposition of new U.S. sanctions. This suspension extended to all airports in Iraq that received flights from Iran, effectively cutting off air communication between the two countries. However, with the efforts of the Iraqi government and the negotiations that took place, an agreement was reached to resume flights to Najaf.
Continuing this trend, on Sunday, October 1, the first Iranian airplane landed at Najaf Airport after a week of suspension. The Iraqi government also announced that Iranian airlines, except for Mahan, are allowed to conduct a total of 40 flights per day to and from Najaf.
At the same time, Iran also announced on Wednesday the resumption of flights by the Islamic Republic of Iran Airlines (Homa) to Karachi. According to Mahmoud Ansari, the Deputy for Commercial and Operations of this company, the new program includes one flight from Imam Khomeini Airport in Tehran and one flight from Mashhad to Karachi.
Read more: Brigadier General Rahman Alidoost announced the possibility of online registration for conscription requests · Brigadier General Mousavi Pour: 305 people died in accidents in Tehran
