Amanze Chinonye
Iraq’s Najaf International Airport suspended all flights to and from Iran from early Friday until further notice, closing a key alternative route for Iranian carriers after Baghdad halted flights to the Iraqi capital amid mounting U.S. sanctions pressure on Iran’s aviation sector.
The airport said the suspension took effect at 2 a.m. local time on Friday following official instructions.
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The move followed Iraq’s decision earlier this week to suspend Iranian flights to Baghdad after Washington threatened sanctions against airports and aviation-service providers that continue to handle Iranian carriers. Iraqi authorities had considered diverting some of those flights to Najaf, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Najaf had continued receiving Iranian flights after Baghdad’s suspension. Iranian authorities said earlier this week that services to the city were operating normally because they had not received an official Iraqi directive to halt them.
The disruptions followed the U.S. Treasury’s Sept. 8 sanctions on Iranian aviation entities, including 27 airlines, as Washington expanded measures aimed at isolating Iranian carriers. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also warned that foreign companies providing Iranian airlines with fuel, landing services or ticket sales could face secondary sanctions and lose access to the U.S. financial system.
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The measures have disrupted Iranian air services in several countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Flights to Baghdad were also suspended as Iraqi authorities weighed the risk of exposing airports and aviation-service providers to U.S. penalties.
Najaf is a major destination for Iranian religious pilgrims and other travellers, making the suspension significant for air links between the two neighbouring countries. The move removes another Iraqi gateway for Iranian carriers as U.S. sanctions increasingly disrupt Iran’s international aviation network.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
