Full Breakdown
Iraq Suspends Iranian Flights Amid U.S. Aviation Sanctions
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 25 2026 Iraq’s four major international airports—Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah—halted all arrivals and departures involving Iranian airlines. The move followed U.S. secondary sanctions that target any company providing fuel, ground handling or ticket-sale services to Iranian carriers. The U.S. Treasury said the measures aim to “shut down” Iran’s civil aviation network worldwide.
Background & Context
The sanctions are part of “Operation Economic Outcast,” launched in August 2026 to increase pressure on Tehran after months of conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Earlier U.S. actions included designating 27 Iranian airlines on September 8 2026 and warning companies against servicing Iranian flights. The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Georgia and Azerbaijan have already limited or cancelled Iranian flights under the same policy.
Data & Statistics
- Iranian airlines previously operated roughly 20 daily flights to Iraq; after the Najaf suspension only four flights to other destinations remained scheduled that day.
- Overflight payments had generated more than $300 million a year for Iran’s aviation sector.
Official Statements & Responses
- U.S. Treasury: “We are squeezing the Iranians like they've never seen.”
- Iranian Vice President Mohammad Mokhber (X): “If Tehran cannot operate flights and obtain airport services, no one in the region will be able to do so either.”
- Mohsen Rezaee, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warned that any country complying with the ban would see its airports “unable to operate flights.”
Criticism & Opposition
Iranian civil aviation officials and regional analysts say the sanctions hit civilian passengers, especially Shia pilgrims traveling between Iran and Najaf or Karbala. Transit expert Mohammadreza Ebrahimpour called the loss of overflight revenue “a big blow” that could jeopardise thousands of aviation-related jobs.
On-the-Ground Reports
Travel agents in Najaf reported a surge in demand for overland routes, with bus tickets to Turkey selling at quadruple normal prices on the black market. Local agencies, which previously relied on Iranian flight bookings, now see clients taking 12-hour land journeys.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Regional compliance: The United Arab Emirates confirmed a blanket ban on Iranian carriers, yet the Iranian Civil Aviation Organization listed some flights to Dubai on Tehran’s departure board, creating uncertainty about enforcement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We cannot say that Iran is totally cut off from air traffic, but shrunk considerably,” — Al Jazeera’s Sinem Koseoglu
- “Companies providing ground services, like refuelling, baggage, it appears, are not willing to risk secondary sanctions and being frozen out of the international US dollar system.” — Al Jazeera’s Jack Hewson
What’s Next
Iraqi authorities have not set a timeline for lifting the bans. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said secondary sanctions will stay in force until Iran changes its regional behavior, while Iranian officials call for “diplomatic and aviation talks” to restore flights. Overland congestion at border crossings such as Bazargan and Razi suggests the disruption will continue in the short term.