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Iraq Suspends Iranian Flights Starting September 25, 2026

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 3:20 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Iraq’s civil aviation authority suspended Iranian flights at Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah airports, effective September 25, 2026.
The suspension follows U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s warning that sanctions would hit airports serving Iranian carriers after September 23.
Ground-handling firms stopped services to Iranian airlines, fearing U.S. sanctions.
The bans disrupt travel for pilgrims, students, patients and families relying on the Iraq-Iran air link.
Najaf International Airport loses its role as an alternative route after Baghdad’s earlier ban.

History

Historical Context

Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the United States has repeatedly used OFAC sanctions to cripple Iran’s civil aviation, notably in 2009 when it barred Iran Air and Mahan Air and removed 15 aircraft worth about $1.2 billion. The pattern continued when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned in September 2026, prompting Iraq’s Aviation Authority to suspend Iranian flights at Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah airports.

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Story summary

Iraq’s civil aviation authority suspended Iranian flights at Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah airports, effective September 25, 2026.
The suspension follows U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s warning that sanctions would hit airports serving Iranian carriers after September 23.
Ground-handling firms stopped services to Iranian airlines, fearing U.S. sanctions.
The bans disrupt travel for pilgrims, students, patients and families relying on the Iraq-Iran air link.
Najaf International Airport loses its role as an alternative route after Baghdad’s earlier ban.

1 / 2