Air Arabia launches Sharjah-Najaf flight
Sharjah—Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, on Saturday announced the launch of service to the city of Najaf in the Republic of Iraq, from its hub in Sharjah, UAE. Located in Western Iraq, 100 miles south of the capital Baghdad, Najaf is Air Arabia’s first destination in Iraq.

Flights between the two cities now operate twice per week starting June 8, 2010. With the addition of this new destination, Air Arabia now serves 64 routes from three hubs in UAE, Morocco and its latest hub in Egypt, where service was launched on June 1, 2010. Air Arabia flights now span the Middle East, North Africa, Indian Subcontinent, Africa, Central Asia and Europe.

Roundtrip flights now operate twice per week between Najaf International Airport and Sharjah. The low-cost carrier flies to Najaf on Tuesdays and Fridays, departing Sharjah at 8:40 am and arriving in Najaf at 10:00 am. On the same days, return flights depart Najaf at 10:45 am and arrive in Sharjah at 13:40 pm.

“The launch of direct service to Najaf, our first destination in Iraq, marks another milestone in Air Arabia’s history,” said Sherif Attia, Chief Operating Officer of Air Arabia’s Sharjah hub. “Iraq has great potential as a destination for business and personal travellers, as well as long-term growth potential for religious and cultural tourism. Air Arabia’s entry into the country will only boost such prospects. Passengers travelling to Najaf can now experience the benefits of travelling with Air Arabia through our market-leading low fares, comfort and convenience.”

Tourism plays a significant role in Najaf contributing 30 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). —Agencies

Pilgrims safely return Home
3 December 2009

On Wednesday 3 December 2009 Najaf Police PR Manager Lieutenant Miqdad al-Moussawi said "the security forces of Najaf in organization with the security forces in the provinces of Babil, Karbala and Diwaniyah have presented a security plan to protect arriving pilgrims."

On the other end, Najaf Airport Authority said “the airport and its staff are at the service of the pilgrims and visiting passengers. Our ground operations crew are fully prepared to accommodate the pilgrims and no technical problems or administrative impede exists. We are using thermal cameras to measure the temperature of all passengers to ensure their safety."

They added: "We are preparing to recieve thousands of pilgrims in the Holy months of Muharram and Safar and as an initial step towards this we are testing the new departure hall operations."

Royal Falcon announces new route from Amman to Najaf
10 October 2009

Royal Falcon- charter airlines based in Amman, Jordan announced it is adding a new service for passengers travelling between Amman and Najaf.  The new service is scheduled to begin operation on October 16^thoperating twice a week.

For bookings and reservation (5538538/06-5561652/06).

Gulf Air lands in the Holy City of Najaf
26 September 2009

Gulf Air, the national carrier of Kingdom of Bahrain landed in the Iraqi city of Najaf. Flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The new service to the holy city comes only weeks after Gulf Air resumed commercial operations to Baghdad for the first time since 1991. Gulf Air plans to expand the four times weekly service to daily flights from October 26.

Bahrain Air to launch Najaf route
25 September 2009

Bahrain Air, the second flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain and low-cost airline has announced it has taken the necessary preparations to commence direct commercial flights from Bahrain to Najaf International Airport starting from 02 October 2009 till 27 March 2010. The airline will offer a total of five weekly flights to Najaf International Airport.  

Thailand former Prime Minister meets Mr AlBalaghi
6 July 2009

Thailand former Prime Minister General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh met on Monday with Mr Najah AlBalaghi, Director of Najaf Airport Authority, in Bangkok. The meeting was also attended by Mr Abdullah Kashizadeh, Director of Kingstar Group Enterprise who will award the 140X75 cm Najaf International Airport logo in Gold leaf.

During the meeting AlBalaghi explained the development phases Najaf International Airport underwent and the Investment potentiality of the Holy City. He also expressed hope that both sides will further tap potential to expand cooperation and push for greater development of bilateral ties.

The General expressed admiration for Najaf’s achievements in reform and opening up, and economic development and spoke highly of bilateral cooperation on a new network connecting Thailand to the Holy City.

The meeting was held in a positive atmosphere and both sides agreed to meet soon in order to prepare official meeting hoping both countries will strengthen exchanges and cooperation in religious tourism and other service sectors.