Iran says flights to and from Iraq to resume on Sunday

The Director of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization, Akhavan, stated on Saturday that flights operated by Iranian and Iraqi airlines will resume on Sunday. In a statement to local Iranian media, Akhavan said the resumption followed decisions reached by senior officials in both countries and urged passengers to check the latest flight schedules before heading to airports.

Earlier on Saturday, Iran's embassy in Baghdad thanked Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi for supporting the launch of 40 daily flights by Iranian airlines between the two countries through Najaf International Airport. According to local Iraqi media, the Iraqi government said on Friday that it had reached an agreement allowing Iranian airlines, except Mahan Air, to operate 40 flights daily to and from Najaf after Baghdad secured a US exemption.

The resumption of flights marks a step in restoring air links between Iran and Iraq, which had been suspended. The agreement involves multiple daily flights through Najaf, a city significant for religious tourism. The exemption from US sanctions allows most Iranian airlines to operate, though Mahan Air remains excluded.

Akhavan emphasized that passengers should verify schedules due to the recent changes. The Iranian embassy's statement highlighted the role of Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Zaidi in facilitating the flights. The Iraqi government's announcement on Friday confirmed the deal, which followed diplomatic efforts to secure the US exemption.

According to Mehr News, the resumption of flights is expected to ease travel between the two countries and support economic and religious ties. The report added that the agreement specifically permits 40 daily flights by Iranian airlines to and from Najaf, with Mahan Air not included in the arrangement.