Air India plans flight services to Iraq’s Najaf from Lucknow

The Indian national carrier Air India is looking to start a flight service to Iraqi holy city of Najaf from Lucknow in UP via New Delhi, starting early next year. 

The Indian national carrier Air India is looking to start a flight service to Iraqi holy city of Najaf from Lucknow in UP via New Delhi, starting early next year. 

The airline is discussing modalities of the proposed flight and a final decision is expected to be taken on Monday, an airline source said. 

Najaf is considered sacred by Shia Muslims where the lovers of Ahlulbait, peace be upon them, often begin their journey from towards the holy land of Karbala taking part in the grand pilgrimage of Arbaeen. Notably, Lucknow has a sizable Shia population.