Iraq Seeks Flight Exemptions
Iraq Seeks US Exemptions for Iranian Flights to Restore Civilian Travel
Anonymous
Iraq is in direct talks with the United States seeking exemptions for some Iraqi airports from measures restricting Iranian airlines, hoping to restore flights disrupted at airports including Najaf, Erbil and Sulaymani. Baghdad says the routes are needed for medical treatment, education, religious visits and other civilian travel; passengers have faced cancellations, delays and difficult alternatives. The restrictions follow a U.S. push to shut down Iranian airlines and warn service providers of potential penalties, while Iraq says it is seeking dialogue and working to de-escalate regional tensions.
Key Points
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Passengers reported being stranded or scrambling for alternatives after the restrictions took effect; some people in Iran faced a journey of more than 12 hours by land to return to Iraq, while patients feared losing access to treatment.
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The disruption followed US Treasury sanctions announced on September 8 against 36 targets linked to Iran’s aviation sector, including 27 Iranian airlines; the department also suspended three Iran-related aviation authorizations.
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Ground-handling companies stopped servicing Iran-linked flights at Iraqi airports, citing concerns about US penalties, effectively halting air travel between Iraq and Iran before a nationwide Iraqi suspension was initially announced.
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The Iraqi transportation ministry said the suspension would remain in place until US sanctions were lifted, while Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said Baghdad had notified Tehran of the ban and planned to discuss the sanctions with Washington.
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