The international airport of the city of Najaf, Iraq, after a pause lasting several days, resumes air communication with Iran on Sunday. On the first day, three evening flights are planned, the Iraqi INA news agency reports, referring to the airport administration. Iraq announced yesterday that the United States granted an exemption from the sanctions regime, which allows Iranian airlines to operate up to 40 daily flights to and from Najaf. The restriction does not apply to the Iranian airline Mahan Air, which remains excluded from the agreement. The decision was taken after Iraq suspended air traffic with Iran last week amid tightening US sanctions against Iran's aviation sector. Baghdad sought an exemption for flights primarily related to religious pilgrimage, medical care, tourism and education. It is expected that the number of flights will gradually increase in the coming days, depending on the schedules of the airlines. At the same time, the Iraqi authorities have warned that the lack of aviation fuel may limit the actual number of flights. the announced 40 daily flights exceed the country's current operational capabilities. Najaf is one of the main centers of Shia pilgrimage and receives millions of pilgrims every year, including from Iran. The resumption of air traffic has not only transport but also humanitarian significance for both countries.