Iraq Suspends Iranian Flights at All Airports Amid New US Aviation Sanctions

WASHINGTON — Iraqi authorities halted all flights to and from Iran at four of the country’s major airports on Friday, following the United States’ announcement of new aviation sanctions that target Iranian airlines and aircraft. The move came after the U.S. Department of the Treasury added several Iranian carriers to its sanctions list, requiring U.S.‑based airlines and aviation service providers to cease operations with them.

Iraq’s compliance with U.S. sanctions

Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority issued a statement on 25 September that all flights operated by Iranian carriers would be suspended at Erbil, Sulaimaniya, Najaf and Baghdad airports. The directive was issued in response to the U.S. Treasury’s latest sanctions, which broadened restrictions on Iranian aviation assets and prohibited the use of U.S. aircraft parts in Iranian aircraft. The authority cited the need to comply with international obligations and to avoid potential penalties under the U.S. sanctions regime.

Impact on regional air traffic

Prior to the suspension, the four airports handled a combined total of roughly 1.2 million passengers annually, with about 12% of that traffic involving flights to and from Iran. The halt affects airlines such as Iran Air, Mahan Air and several regional carriers that had scheduled services to Erbil, Sulaimaniya and Najaf. The decision also means that flights to Tehran, Mashhad and other Iranian cities will be grounded until the sanctions are lifted or a waiver is granted.

Reactions from airlines and passengers

Airlines operating in Iraq reported that they had already begun canceling or rescheduling flights to Iran in anticipation of the U.S. directive. A spokesperson for the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority said that the suspension would be temporary and that the authority would monitor the situation closely. The authority also urged passengers to check flight status updates and to seek alternative arrangements.

Background on U.S. aviation sanctions

The U.S. sanctions were announced on 22 September by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and were part of a broader package aimed at curbing Iran’s aviation sector. The sanctions list includes several Iranian airlines and aircraft manufacturers, and it prohibits the use of U.S. aircraft parts in Iranian aircraft. The sanctions also require U.S. entities to obtain a license before providing any aviation-related services to Iranian carriers.

Regional implications

The suspension of flights at all four Iraqi airports marks a significant escalation in the enforcement of U.S. sanctions in the Middle East. It also places additional pressure on Iran’s aviation industry, which has already faced restrictions on aircraft procurement and maintenance. The move is expected to affect not only passenger traffic but also cargo operations, as several freight carriers had scheduled shipments between Iraq and Iran.

Statements from Iraqi officials

In a brief statement, the Iraqi Ministry of Transport said that the country was acting in accordance with international law and that it would continue to monitor the situation. The ministry also noted that it had not received any formal request from the U.S. to enforce the sanctions, but that it had chosen to preemptively comply to avoid any potential legal complications.

Future developments

Both the U.S. Treasury and the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority indicated that the suspension would remain in place until the sanctions are lifted or a waiver is granted. The authorities also announced that they would keep the public updated on any changes to the status of flights to and from Iran.