Iraqi airports in Erbil, Sulaimaniya, and Najaf have officially suspended all flight operations involving Iranian airlines as of Friday. This action follows a similar suspension previously implemented at Baghdad International Airport, effectively halting direct air travel between the two nations at all major hubs where Iranian carriers were active.

The suspension in Najaf, a significant transit point for Shia pilgrims traveling between Iraq and Iran, was confirmed by the airport’s director, Hussein Muhanna. According to Muhanna, the decision was made following a direct order from the Prime Minister’s office to the provincial governor. While state media reports indicate the move is intended to enforce US sanctions, the specific legal or diplomatic mechanisms triggering the sudden, nationwide coordination remain under discussion.

There is a slight variation in the reporting regarding the primary motivation for the closures. While reports emphasize the enforcement of US sanctions as the driving force, the broader implications for regional travel and the specific timeline of the directive's implementation across different provinces suggest a coordinated effort by the Iraqi government to align its aviation sector with international financial restrictions. The suspension significantly impacts religious tourism, as these airports serve as the primary gateways for pilgrims visiting sacred sites in both countries.