Mumbai: SpiceJet has launched special non-stop direct flights from Mumbai and Ahmedabad to Najaf, Iraq, starting October 18 and 19, 2025, respectively, becoming the first and only Indian airline to operate this route, catering specifically to Indian pilgrims.

Najaf, located about 160 km south of Baghdad, is one of the holiest cities for Muslims worldwide and a major pilgrimage destination for Shia Muslims. The city is home to the revered Shrine of Imam Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, attracting millions of devotees annually. Other important religious sites include Wadi-us-Salaam—the world’s largest cemetery—Kufa Mosque, and the Great Najaf Seminary, making Najaf a key part of pilgrimage circuits that include Karbala and Kufa.

The new direct flights are designed to simplify travel for Indian pilgrims by eliminating long transit routes, offering multiple departure and return dates between October 2025 and March 2026 for maximum flexibility. Flights from Mumbai commenced on October 18, followed by services from Ahmedabad starting October 19, 2025.

SpiceJet’s Chief Business Officer, Debojo Maharshi, emphasised the airline’s commitment to providing "unmatched ease and comfort" to pilgrims, noting that "for millions of devout Indians, Najaf is a pilgrimage of a lifetime." The airline is exploring making Najaf a permanent scheduled destination, reflecting strong and growing demand for religious travel.

This route launch aligns with SpiceJet’s broader expansion plans to more than double its fleet and triple available seat kilometres by the end of 2025, while adding new domestic and international destinations.