Rare Closure of Najaf Airport for Mourning Ceremony of Martyred Resistance Leader
Najaf International Airport will be closed to all commercial and cargo flights from 3:30 PM on Monday, July 6, 2026, until early Thursday morning, July 9. This unprecedented closure, lasting nearly 90 hours, has been mandated by Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority under international NOTAM A0286/26. Even the use of Najaf Airport as an alternate landing site during this period is prohibited.
The head of Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority described this measure as rare in regional aviation history, noting that the closure is not due to war or operational crisis but to ensure safety amid the massive crowds attending the farewell ceremony for a martyred resistance leader.
According to the aviation directive, only flights with special authorization will be permitted to land or take off. These include flights transporting official delegations, diplomatic missions, and pilgrims associated with the ceremonies. Coordination for these exemptions has already been arranged between Iranian authorities and the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority.
Officials highlighted the unprecedented concentration of people in Najaf and surrounding areas near the airport, necessitating exceptional air traffic management measures. They emphasized that flight safety and airport operation security remain top priorities, and bilateral cooperation between the two countries continues to manage this significant international event.
