Iraq Halts All Iranian Flights Amid US Sanctions Enforcement
What happened
Iraqi airports in Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, and Sulaimaniyah suspended all flights to and from Iran on September 25, 2026.
The Context
- US sanctions: The US imposed secondary sanctions on Iranian airlines, targeting global companies that provide services to them, effective September 23.
- Iraq's compliance: Iraqi authorities, under pressure to avoid sanctions, halted Iranian flights, redirecting passengers to lengthy overland routes.
- Regional impact: Similar restrictions were enacted by airports in the UAE, Qatar, and Oman, complicating travel for many.
The Number
were operated by Iranian carriers to Najaf airport alone before the suspension, highlighting the scale of disruption for travelers.
Takeaway
As tensions escalate, expect ongoing challenges in air travel between Iran and Iraq, with potential ripple effects on regional relations and economies.
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Iraqi airports halt Iranian flights after new US aviation sanctions
Iraqi airports in Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, and Sulaimaniyah have suspended flights to and from Iran following the imposition of new U.S. aviation sanctions aimed at crippling Iran's aviation sector. This decision reflects the growing international pres...
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The Iranian aviation restrictions have expanded, with airports in Najaf, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah in Iraq announcing a suspension of all flights to and from Iran. This decision, effective from 2:00 AM on September 25, was made based on official direct...
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