Tehran:Foreign flights have resumed at Imam Khomeini International Airport after a 40-day interruption. Iraqi Airways operated its first direct flight from Najaf to Tehran on Thursday, marking a significant step toward the gradual restoration of international air traffic.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the first Iraqi Airways flight arrived from Najaf at 730 a.m. and departed for Najaf at 830 a.m. Iraqi Airways will operate one daily flight on the Tehran-Najaf route, providing passenger services in both directions.

Javad Salehi Artimani, deputy for operations at Imam Khomeini Airport City, stated that the resumption of Iraqi Airways flights is a step toward the gradual expansion of foreign flights at the airport. He expressed hope for an increase in flight numbers and activation of more international routes as conditions improve.

Iraqi Airways also announced the resumption of its direct flights from Najaf International Airport to Iran, with daily services to Tehran, Mashhad, and Isfahan. The airline indicated that this initiative aims to facilitate passenger transportation and expand Iraq's regional air links, particularly for religious, medical, and educational purposes.

Flights to Iran were initially suspended by Iraqi Airways in early March due to the US-Israeli aggression against Iran. The resumption followed Iraq's efforts to secure a special exemption for the national carrier to operate flights to Iran.

The Iraqi government has also announced an agreement permitting Iranian airlines, excluding Mahan Air, to operate up to 40 daily flights to and from Najaf International Airport.