Iraq and Iran have agreed to a major expansion of air links, with Iranian airlines set to operate up to 40 daily flights to and from Najaf International Airport. The agreement, announced by the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office on Friday, excludes the Iranian carrier Mahan Air from the arrangement.

The deal focuses on flights to Najaf, a major Shia pilgrimage site in Iraq, which is visited by millions of Iranian pilgrims annually. The substantial increase in daily flights is expected to significantly boost travel and economic ties between the two neighboring countries.

While the announcement did not specify which Iranian airlines would be involved or when the new flight schedule would commence, it marks a concrete step in enhancing bilateral cooperation in the transport sector.