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Iraq Halts Flights to Iran Amid US Sanctions
26 Sep
Summary
- Four Iraqi airports suspended flights to and from Iran.
- The suspension follows new US aviation sanctions on Iran.
- Land travel between Iraq and Iran now requires at least 12 hours.
Four Iraqi airports, specifically Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, and Sulaimaniyah, have suspended all flight operations to and from Iran. This decision was implemented days after the United States announced new aviation sanctions against companies involved with Iranian airlines. These measures are part of a broader US strategy to isolate Iran from the global economy.
The suspension critically affects travel between the two Shia-majority nations. Previously, Iraq was a top destination for Iranian airlines, and flights facilitated religious pilgrimages. Now, travelers must endure a land journey of at least 12 hours, creating a significant challenge for those connecting between the two countries.
Regional countries like the UAE and Qatar have also restricted flights to Iran to comply with US sanctions. Despite warnings from Iran, companies providing essential services to Iranian airlines are reportedly unwilling to risk secondary sanctions, leading to a considerable reduction in Iran's air traffic. Iraq finds itself in a delicate position, balancing its ties with both the US and Iran.
