The suspension of Iran's flights to Iraq could have widespread repercussions in various fields. Given the close ties between the two countries, this decision could become one of the serious challenges for Iraq.
Damage to the Tourism Industry
The extensive tourism network between Iran and Iraq is one of the most vulnerable sectors in this matter. Last year, about 11.4 million trips were recorded, with 3.4 million trips related to Iraqi tourists and nearly 8 million trips related to Iranians traveling to Iraq. Considering these figures, the suspension of flights could have a significant impact on the tourism sector of both countries, leading to a decrease in revenues and job opportunities in this industry.
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The Importance of Healthcare Services
In recent years, Iran has become one of the healthcare destinations of choice for Iraqi citizens. Many Iraqis travel to Iran for treatment, due to the high quality of medical services and lower costs compared to other countries. The suspension of flights could make it difficult for Iraqi citizens to access healthcare services, leading to negative consequences for public health in Iraq.
Iraqi Students Studying in Iran
Another area of vulnerability relates to the large number of Iraqi students in Iran. More than 50,000 Iraqi students are studying at Iranian universities. These students are not only dependent on their education and studies, but also have deep social and cultural ties with Iran. The suspension of flights could seriously disrupt the education and commuting processes of these students, thus impacting the quality of education and studies in Iraq as well.
Dependency on Iranian Gas
The dependency of part of Iraq's electricity network on Iranian gas is also an important issue in this context. The Vice President of the Iraqi Parliament has warned that if Iranian gas exports are cut off, Iraq's electricity production capacity will be severely affected. This could lead to an energy crisis in Iraq and exacerbate social and economic problems.
Ultimately, the suspension of Iran's flights to Iraq is not only a political decision but also a serious challenge for the relations between the two countries, especially for the people of Iraq. This issue requires careful attention and examination by the officials of both countries to prevent its negative repercussions.
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