NAJAF: An Iranian Meraj Airlines aircraft was reportedly forced to leave Iraq’s Najaf airport without passengers after airport authorities prevented travellers from boarding the scheduled flight to Mashhad, according to video and information attributed to Naya.
The aircraft had been scheduled to carry passengers from Najaf to Mashhad in northeastern Iran. However, passengers were not permitted to board before the aircraft prepared to leave the Iraqi airport.
Consequently, the Meraj Airlines aircraft reportedly began its return journey to Iran without carrying the passengers booked on the service.
The supplied information did not identify the flight number, aircraft registration or the number of passengers affected by the decision.
Reason for Boarding Restriction Remains Unclear
No explanation was immediately provided for why airport authorities stopped passengers from boarding the Iranian aircraft.
Furthermore, the supplied report did not clarify whether Iraqi aviation authorities had imposed a new restriction on Meraj Airlines specifically or whether the measure affected other Iranian carriers operating between Iraq and Iran.
Neither Meraj Airlines nor the relevant Iraqi aviation authorities were quoted as providing an official explanation for the incident.
Therefore, the reason for preventing passengers from boarding remains unclear.
Aircraft Reportedly Heads Back to Iran Empty
Video attributed to Naya reportedly showed developments surrounding the disrupted service, while the aircraft was said to be returning without passengers.
The incident comes amid wider disruptions affecting some Iranian international flights and regional air routes.
However, the supplied information does not establish whether the Najaf incident was connected to those broader aviation restrictions.
It also remains unclear what arrangements, if any, were made for passengers unable to travel to Mashhad.
Further clarification from Iraqi airport authorities or Meraj Airlines would be required to establish whether the boarding restriction was temporary, administrative or part of a wider aviation measure affecting Iranian flights.
Airport authorities prevented the passengers from boarding the Iranian Meraj airlines flight from Najaf to Mashhad. It’s heading back with no passengers
(Video: Naya) pic.twitter.com/AP1IW4pazj— Shin (@hey_itsmyturn) September 25, 2026
