After a 47-day suspension due to rising regional tensions, the first pilgrim flight has successfully landed at Najaf International Airport, marking the resumption of religious travel to one of Islam’s most important spiritual centers.
The flight, operated by Royal Jordanian Airlines, carried Shia pilgrims eager to return to the holy city of Najaf. The temporary halt in flights had disrupted pilgrimage plans for thousands, especially those intending to perform ziyarat at the revered Imam Ali Shrine.
Najaf holds deep religious significance for Shia Muslims worldwide, as it is home to the shrine of Imam Ali, a central figure in Islamic history. The reopening of flights is being seen as a positive step toward restoring normalcy and religious mobility in the region.
Authorities had suspended flights earlier due to safety concerns linked to escalating geopolitical tensions. The pause affected not only pilgrims but also local businesses in Najaf that rely heavily on religious tourism.
With the situation now stabilizing, officials have resumed limited operations under strict security and travel protocols to ensure passenger safety. More flights are expected to follow in the coming days, gradually easing the backlog of pilgrims.
The return of pilgrimage flights has brought relief to many families and travelers, while also signaling improving conditions for cross-border religious travel in the region.
