Iraqi Airways to resume Iran flights in October after securing 'special exemption'

Iraqi Airways plans to resume flights to Iran in October following a suspension due to US sanctions, according to Iraq’s transport ministry. The ministry announced this after securing a special exemption from the US Treasury, which will allow the airline to operate services to Iran for one month. The suspension began on Friday in accordance with US sanctions, and Iraq had previously sought exemptions for travel related to pilgrimage, medical treatment, and education.

Initially, the resumed services will operate from Najaf, a Shi'ite holy city, once regulatory and technical requirements are met. The exact number of allowed flights has not been specified. Earlier reports indicated that three Iraqi airports will suspend flights to Iran starting Friday. Baghdad provided safety measures such as passenger screening, information sharing, and measures to prevent the flights from being used for transporting weapons, sanctioned individuals, or illicit funds, as confirmed by a source familiar with the matter.