Iraqi Airways has resumed commercial flights between the central province of Najaf and Iranian airports, Iraqi News Agency reported amid a US aerial blockade on flights from the Islamic Republic.
The flights restarted on Monday after Najaf and three other Iraqi airports temporarily suspended flights, driven by US threats over secondary sanctions targeting aviation services linked to Tehran.
The move allows Iraq’s flag carrier to bypass standoffs with international contractors whose fears of secondary penalties had halted handling services for flights linked to Tehran.
✈️ Iraqi Airways resumes flights between Najaf and Iranian airports after suspension
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) September 28, 2026
👉 Resumption follows Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s ‘intensive efforts,’ after several countries halted Iran flights amid US sanctions https://t.co/hVjmqHmXIK pic.twitter.com/qgQxIGKJO7
Earlier in the day, Iran filed a formal complaint with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) over US aviation sanctions, reported Iran’s official IRNA news agency.
Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization chief Abuzar Shiroudi told IRNA that coordinated efforts are underway with Iran’s Foreign Ministry to resume flights legally.
Shiroudi said the ICAO had ruled in Iran’s favor regarding the Islamic Republic’s formal protest over US aviation sanctions.
Shiroudi also told the agency that Tehran had filed a complaint with the International Court of Justice in The Hague over attacks on airports, aircraft and radar systems. The case before the court remains under review and any compensation depends on its final ruling, he added.
Iran’s civil aviation chief said Iran is seeking explanations from several countries regarding halted flight routes through diplomatic channels.
US sanctions on Iranian airlines came into force on September 23, putting foreign airports and companies that service sanctioned Iranian carriers at risk of secondary sanctions.
The suspension of flights sparked protests in the holy city of Najaf, with demonstrators calling for resuming flights to and from the Islamic REpublic.
Iraqis gather outside Najaf Airport to protest the suspension of flights to Iran.
— PressTV Extra (@PresstvExtra) September 28, 2026
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Source: Agencies (edited by Al-Manar)