Iraq has suspended flights operated by Iranian airlines at its four airports that handle services to and from Iran. The latest restrictions began Friday at Erbil and Sulaimaniya airports, according to two sources familiar with the decision.
The move follows similar suspensions at Baghdad and Najaf airports earlier in the week. As a result, Iranian flights have now stopped operating from all four Iraqi airports where they had been available.
Iraq’s state news agency reported the suspension at Najaf International Airport on Friday. Reuters had earlier reported that Baghdad airport stopped handling Iranian flights from Wednesday after Iraqi authorities ordered the country’s civil aviation regulator to implement the measure.
Iraqi Airports Suspend Iranian Services
The restrictions affect flights between Iran and Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil and Sulaimaniya.
Two sources previously told Reuters that Iraqi authorities were considering moving some Iranian flights from Baghdad to Najaf. However, the latest measures have now extended the suspension to Najaf as well.
The decision creates another disruption for Iranian airlines, which already face increasing pressure from international sanctions.
Iraq has not publicly provided a detailed explanation for the latest airport restrictions. The measures come as Washington prepares additional sanctions targeting companies that conduct business with Iranian airlines.
US Sanctions Target Iranian Airlines
The United States has announced plans to impose sanctions on companies around the world that continue doing business with Iranian airlines after September 23.
Washington says the measures aim to restrict Iran’s civilian aviation network and eventually ground the country’s commercial fleet worldwide.
The sanctions could make it harder for Iranian airlines to maintain international routes. They could also increase pressure on countries and airports that continue to handle Iranian carriers.
UAE Also Suspends Iranian Flights
The United Arab Emirates has taken a similar step.
The UAE said Thursday that it would suspend flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the country until further notice.
The decision affects one of the Middle East’s biggest aviation hubs. The UAE’s move could further reduce the number of international routes available to Iranian airlines.
With Iraq now suspending Iranian flights at Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil and Sulaimaniya, the restrictions represent another setback for Iran’s civilian aviation sector.
The impact on passengers and airlines will depend on how long the suspensions remain in place and whether other countries introduce similar restrictions.
