Najaf airport reports 553 flights, 135,000 passengers in first half of Safar

NAJAF, Iraq — Najaf International Airport recorded 553 arrivals and departures between 1 and 15 Safar, averaging roughly 36 flights a day to various destinations, the airport said. Arriving passengers totaled 80,658 during the period, while 55,140 departed, according to airport statistics. Airport officials said flight traffic is expected to increase further in the remaining 15 days of Safar, attributing the projected rise to the growing number of visitors traveling for the Arbaeen pilgrimage. Najaf serves as a key entry point for pilgrims heading to the holy city during the commemoration, which marks the 40th day after Ashura. The figures were released by the airport's media unit as preparations continue for the peak of the pilgrimage season. Authorities said additional flight adjustments could be made if visitor flows continue to climb.