> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://insideaviation.news/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# IRAQ: Iraq Authorises 40 Daily Iranian Flights To Najaf, Excluding Mahan Air
- URL: https://insideaviation.news/iraq-iraq-authorises-40-daily-iranian-flights-to-najaf-excluding-mahan-air/
- Published: 2026-10-03T18:00:01.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-03T18:00:01.000Z
- Author: Inside Aviation News
- Tags: Iraq, Najaf, Mahan Air, Iran, United States, Iran war, sanctions, Aeropolitics, Regulatory, Resumption of Operations, Network Changes

BAGHDAD, Iraq

- Iraqi government reached agreement authorising 40 daily flights to and from Najaf International Airport for Iranian airlines, excluding Mahan Air.
- Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi [oversaw the file](https://insideaviation.news/iraq-iraqi-airways-resumes-najaf-iran-flights-after-al-zaidi-efforts/) of resuming Iranian airline operations.
- US government granted the required exemption after Iraqi diplomatic efforts.
- Flights cover humanitarian, medical treatment and religious visit cases.
- Earlier, Iraqi groundhandling firms had [refused to deal with Iranian airlines](https://insideaviation.news/iraq-private-groundhandlers-halt-iranian-airline-services/) for fear of incurring secondary US sanctions.
- US considers Mahan Air to be a primary transport means for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the IRGC-Qods Force (IRGC-QF).

**Sources:**

- [Iraqi PM X](https://x.com/IraqiPMO/status/2106043973773013411?ref=insideaviation.news)
- [Middle East Online](https://middle-east-online.com/en/iraq-authorises-40-daily-iranian-flights-najaf-excluding-mahan-air?ref=insideaviation.news)
- [OFAC PR](https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0582?ref=insideaviation.news)