US Grants Iraqi Airlines Waiver for Flights Between Najaf and Iran

Update — October 22, 2026 3:14 PM CST: Iraqi authorities shut the Al Sheeb border crossing with Iran to both travellers and commercial goods on October 21, 2026. The closure took effect at 6:00 a.m. local time to review security arrangements and install anti-smuggling detection equipment. Iranian officials reported receiving no advance notice of the suspension.

Update — October 5, 2026 1:10 AM CST: Commercial air services between Iran and Najaf, Iraq, resumed on October 4, 2026, following a US sanctions waiver granted to Baghdad. Iranian airlines, excluding Mahan Air, are authorized to operate up to 40 daily flights to the Iraqi airport.

Update — October 4, 2026 8:10 PM CST: The Iraqi prime minister's office confirmed that Iranian airlines, excluding Mahan Air, may operate 40 daily flights to and from Najaf International Airport. The decision follows a previous flight suspension caused by US sanctions and is enabled by a one-month US Treasury waiver for religious pilgrims. The Iraqi government had requested exemptions covering pilgrimage, medical treatment, and educational travel.

Update — October 1, 2026 2:11 PM CST: The United States has issued a temporary sanctions waiver enabling Iraqi Airways to fly Iranian pilgrims to and from Najaf, Iraq. The measure follows direct talks with Iraqi officials and imposes strict controls on passenger manifests, flight paths, and cargo. Iraqi travel agencies had warned that a total ban would trigger severe transit disruptions and economic hardship.

Update — October 1, 2026 2:10 PM CST: The United States has granted a temporary sanctions waiver enabling Iraqi Airways to operate flights carrying Iranian pilgrims to and from Najaf, Iraq. The exemption includes strict oversight of cargo, flight paths, and passenger manifests following bilateral negotiations with Washington. Travel agencies in Iraq had previously cautioned that halting pilgrim traffic would cause severe transit disruptions and regional economic strain.

Update — September 30, 2026 3:14 AM CST: Iraqi Airways announced it will resume scheduled flights between Najaf and Iranian cities in October following an emergency US sanctions waiver. Services had previously been halted after private ground-handling operators refused to handle Iranian flights to avoid US financial penalties.

Update — September 30, 2026 3:14 AM CST: The United States has granted Iraqi airlines a conditional sanctions waiver to operate flights between Najaf and Iran for pilgrims and travelers. Najaf International Airport received notification of the decision following Iraqi government talks with Washington. Iraq had previously joined regional countries, including the United Arab Emirates, in restricting air links following US Treasury warnings.

Update — September 30, 2026 3:13 AM CST: Iraqi Airways announced it will resume scheduled flights to Iran in October following an emergency sanctions waiver granted by the US Treasury. The waiver specifically permits flights between Najaf International Airport and Iranian cities after ground-handling suspensions disrupted services.