Iraq Welcomes First Flight from Iran Following US Exemption

Baghdad (ANTARA) - Najaf International Airport in Iraq received its first direct flight from Tehran on Sunday (4/10), marking the official resumption of air travel between the two nations following an exemption from the United States, according to airport authorities.

The Director of Najaf International Airport welcomed passengers arriving on a flight operated by the Iranian carrier, Caspian Airlines, the airport stated in a post on its official Facebook page.

Video footage published on the page showed the aircraft being greeted with a traditional water cannon salute upon arrival.

The resumption of these flights follows a recent announcement by the Iraqi government on 2 October regarding an agreement that allows Iranian airlines, with the exception of Mahan Air, to operate 40 daily flights to and from Najaf International Airport.

A statement from the media office of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi noted that the agreement follows cooperation from the US government in providing the requested exemption. This move is intended to facilitate the movement of pilgrims and travellers, particularly those travelling for medical treatment, religious visits, and tourism.

Najaf International Airport had suspended all flights to and from Iran on 25 September, following recent sanctions from the US Treasury Department targeting the Iranian aviation sector. These sanctions suspended the permissions that allowed non-US airlines to fly US-origin or US-controlled commercial aircraft to Iran.