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# IRAQ: Iraqi Airways Resumes Najaf-Iran Flights After Al-Zaidi Efforts
- URL: https://insideaviation.news/iraq-iraqi-airways-resumes-najaf-iran-flights-after-al-zaidi-efforts/
- Published: 2026-09-29T05:20:56.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-29T05:35:39.000Z
- Author: Inside Aviation News
- Tags: Iraq, Iraqi Airways, Najaf, Iran, Iran war, Resumption of Operations, Politics

- Iraqi Airways resumed flights between Najaf and Iranian airports on Monday after efforts by PM Ali Al-Zaidi to secure a waiver from potential US sanctions.
- Iraqi Ambassador to Iran Yasser Abdul-Zahra Al-Hajjaj confirmed Najaf Airport would open to Iranian flights.
- The Iraqi government led by PM Al-Zaidi continues efforts to resume flights between Iraq and Iran, Abdul-Zahra told INA.
- The government issued no decision to halt flights with Iran, but foreign ground-handling companies avoided services due to US sanctions fears.
- Al-Zaidi's office over the weekend said that Iraq was seeking an exemption from US sanctions ​for travel between Iran and Iraq for medical treatment, education and pilgrimage.
- The United States has repeatedly warned all airports and groundhandlers across the globe they [risk OFAC sanctions](https://insideaviation.news/iraq-private-groundhandlers-halt-iranian-airline-services/) should they continue to deal with Iranian airlines beyond September 23.

**Sources:**

- [Ina](https://ina.iq/en/local/52414-iraqi-airways-resumes-flights-between-najaf-and-iranian-airports-via-al-zaidi-direct-efforts.html?ref=insideaviation.news)
- [Kurdistan24](https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/942594/al-zaidi-orders-resumption-of-iraq-iran-flights-via-najaf?ref=insideaviation.news)
- [Ina](https://ina.iq/en/local/52405-najaf-airport-to-open-for-iranian-flights-within-24-hours.html?ref=insideaviation.news)
- [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-grant-sanctions-waiver-flights-between-iran-iraqs-najaf-source-says-2026-09-28/?ref=insideaviation.news)