In a significant stride for India’s aviation and religious tourism sectors, SpiceJet has launched the country’s first-ever direct flights to Najaf in Iraq. The low-cost carrier inaugurated its Mumbai–Najaf service on October 18, followed by the Ahmedabad–Najaf route on October 19. With this, Najaf becomes one of the few Middle Eastern destinations now directly linked to India by an Indian airline.
Najaf is among the most sacred cities in Shia Islam, home to the revered shrine of Imam Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. The city draws millions of pilgrims every year from across the world, especially during the holy months and religious commemorations. Until now, Indian travellers had to rely on connecting flights via Gulf hubs like Dubai, Doha, or Kuwait, making the journey longer and more expensive.
The new SpiceJet services aim to change that. Operating special direct flights between October 2025 and March 2026, the airline will provide a more seamless travel experience for pilgrims and visitors. The company has also indicated that it may make Najaf a permanent destination depending on demand and regulatory clearances.
As per the airline officials, the new connection marks a proud milestone, as it allows thousands of Indian pilgrims to travel with ease and comfort to a city of immense spiritual importance. The flights will not only serve religious travellers but also open new cultural and trade avenues between India and Iraq.
The launch of direct flights to Najaf comes at a time when religious tourism is emerging as one of the most dynamic segments of India’s outbound travel. Pilgrimage routes to Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem, and Bodh Gaya have long drawn steady demand; now, Najaf joins that map as an easily accessible destination.
The city is famed not just for the Imam Ali shrine but also for the Great Kufa Mosque, the ancient city of Kufa, and the vast Wadi-us-Salaam cemetery — one of the largest burial grounds in the world. Many pilgrims visiting Najaf also extend their journeys to Karbala, just 80 kilometres away, another major site of devotion for Shia Muslims.
For SpiceJet, this route represents both cultural significance and strategic expansion. The airline has been in the process of widening its international footprint and increasing its fleet capacity. Direct connectivity to Iraq positions it uniquely in the market, catering to a mix of religious, cultural, and business travellers.
Industry observers see this as a positive step towards enhancing bilateral relations between India and Iraq, which share longstanding cultural and historical ties. The flight service is expected to encourage greater people-to-people contact and possibly stimulate tourism and small-scale trade.
Travel operators in India have already begun curating special Najaf pilgrimage packages to coincide with key religious occasions, offering group bookings, visa assistance, and ground transport. With easier access now available, thousands of devotees from India’s large Shia community are likely to embark on this long-awaited spiritual journey.
In essence, the launch of direct flights to Najaf is more than an operational milestone — it’s a bridge between faith and connectivity. For many Indian pilgrims, the journey to one of the holiest cities in Islam will now begin with a direct take-off from home soil, marking a new chapter in religious travel from India.
Q1. When did SpiceJet start direct flights to Najaf, Iraq?
SpiceJet inaugurated India’s first direct flights to Najaf in October 2025 — from Mumbai on October 18 and Ahmedabad on October 19. These routes operate seasonally between October 2025 and March 2026.
Q2. Why is Najaf an important destination for Indian travellers?
Najaf is one of the holiest cities in Shia Islam, home to the shrine of Imam Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. It draws millions of pilgrims annually, especially during major religious events and holy months.
Q3. How long is the flight from India to Najaf?
The new SpiceJet flights take approximately 5 hours from Mumbai and 4.5 hours from Ahmedabad, significantly reducing travel time compared to earlier connecting routes through Dubai or Doha.
Q4. Will these flights operate permanently?
Currently, the Najaf flights are scheduled as special seasonal services. However, SpiceJet has announced that depending on traveller demand and regulatory approvals, the route could become permanent in the future.
Q5. What can pilgrims visit in Najaf apart from the Imam Ali Shrine?
Pilgrims can explore other sacred sites like the Great Kufa Mosque, the ancient city of Kufa, and the Wadi-us-Salaam cemetery — the world’s largest burial ground. Many also extend their journey to Karbala, about 80 km away.