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SpiceJet, on Friday, announced non-stop special flights from Mumbai and Ahmedabad to Najaf in Iraq, starting October 18, 2025. With this launch, the airline claims to become the only Indian carrier offering direct connectivity to the holy city, a major pilgrimage destination for Muslims.
Flights from Mumbai will commence on October 18, while services from Ahmedabad will begin on October 19, 2025. The airline said the new routes will give Indian pilgrims easier access to Najaf by avoiding long layovers and connecting flights.
Najaf, home to the shrine of Imam Ali, is among the holiest sites in Islam and attracts thousands of Indian pilgrims each year. The city also features key religious landmarks such as Wadi-us-Salaam, the world’s largest cemetery; the Kufa Mosque, one of the oldest in Islamic history; and the Great Najaf Seminary, a centre of Shia learning.
Although the current services are being introduced as special flights, SpiceJet said it may consider making Najaf a regular scheduled destination, subject to regulatory approvals, in response to growing year-round demand.
“For millions of devout Indians, Najaf is a pilgrimage of a lifetime,” said Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer of SpiceJet. “By offering direct flights, we are making this sacred journey easier and more accessible. SpiceJet is proud to connect Indian travellers to this revered city.”
The airline said the launch aligns with its broader expansion strategy. SpiceJet plans to induct new aircraft and more than double its operational fleet while tripling its available seat kilometres (ASKMs) by December 2025.
Flights between Mumbai and Najaf will operate on October 18, 27; November 5, 14, 23; December 2, 11, 20, 29; January 7, 16, 25; February 3, 12, 21; and March 2, 11, 20, and 29.
Flights between Ahmedabad and Najaf will operate on October 19, 28; November 6, 15, 24; December 3, 12, 21, 30; January 8, 17, 26; February 4, 13, 22; and March 3, 12, 21, and 30.
Flights from Mumbai will commence on October 18, while services from Ahmedabad will begin on October 19, 2025. The airline said the new routes will give Indian pilgrims easier access to Najaf by avoiding long layovers and connecting flights.
Najaf, home to the shrine of Imam Ali, is among the holiest sites in Islam and attracts thousands of Indian pilgrims each year. The city also features key religious landmarks such as Wadi-us-Salaam, the world’s largest cemetery; the Kufa Mosque, one of the oldest in Islamic history; and the Great Najaf Seminary, a centre of Shia learning.
Although the current services are being introduced as special flights, SpiceJet said it may consider making Najaf a regular scheduled destination, subject to regulatory approvals, in response to growing year-round demand.
“For millions of devout Indians, Najaf is a pilgrimage of a lifetime,” said Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer of SpiceJet. “By offering direct flights, we are making this sacred journey easier and more accessible. SpiceJet is proud to connect Indian travellers to this revered city.”
The airline said the launch aligns with its broader expansion strategy. SpiceJet plans to induct new aircraft and more than double its operational fleet while tripling its available seat kilometres (ASKMs) by December 2025.
Flights between Mumbai and Najaf will operate on October 18, 27; November 5, 14, 23; December 2, 11, 20, 29; January 7, 16, 25; February 3, 12, 21; and March 2, 11, 20, and 29.
Flights between Ahmedabad and Najaf will operate on October 19, 28; November 6, 15, 24; December 3, 12, 21, 30; January 8, 17, 26; February 4, 13, 22; and March 3, 12, 21, and 30.
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