Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling on Iraq to completely remove remaining flight restrictions affecting air travel between the two nations. The ministry characterized US sanctions enforcement as “illegal and inhumane” and criticized what it described as extraterritorial application of American restrictions on Iran’s commerce and aviation sector. Officials emphasized that facilitating movement for millions of citizens from both countries required an independent approach to resolving diplomatic disagreements.
Air service between Najaf and Iranian cities resumed late on Monday following diplomatic efforts, according to state media. However, flights remained suspended at Baghdad, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah airports, creating significant disruptions for travelers and religious pilgrims. Iraq’s ambassador to Iran stated that Baghdad had not made a formal decision to suspend Iranian flights, attributing the actual suspensions to foreign ground-handling companies’ refusal to provide services due to fears of encountering US sanctions.
The ongoing suspensions prompted demonstrations at multiple Iraqi locations, including airports and cities with significant populations. A US ban targeting companies conducting business with Iranian airlines took effect on September 23, substantially constraining Iran’s international aviation network. Data from aviation monitoring services showed a 42 percent decline in flights to and from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport, with certain routes halted entirely and others significantly reduced.
Iraq’s government had previously requested a US exemption from the sanctions restrictions, citing humanitarian considerations including medical treatment, educational purposes, religious pilgrimages, and civilian interests. Airlines operating routes to various regional destinations reported fluctuating service levels, with some maintaining relatively stable operations while others experienced significant reductions in flight frequency.
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