Iraqi Airways Boeing 737 Lands on Closed Runway in Tehran

By Ivan PetrenkoMay 6, 2024 08:30 AMNews
Share:
City photography at night
City photography at night. Source: unsplash

On May 1, 2024, a Boeing 737-800 operated by Iraqi Airways unexpectedly landed on a closed runway at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA). The flight, originating from Al Najaf International Airport (NJF) in Iraq, was supposed to land on runway 11R but instead touched down on the adjacent, closed runway 11L. Fortunately, the aircraft landed safely without any injuries reported.

This incident involved the Iraqi Airways aircraft registered as YI-ASI, which has been in service for 10 years and typically carries 162 passengers across two classes. Miscommunication and the pilots' familiarity with a different runway, usually 29R, contributed to the landing error. The closed runway 11L/29R was undergoing construction at the time of the incident.

Landing on a closed runway is rare and often attributed to pilot error or emergency situations. This event highlights the crucial need for pilots to verify flight and runway details during their pre-flight checks, including reviewing NOTAMS (Notices to Airmen) that notify pilots of runway closures and other essential flight safety information.

About Iraqi Airways

Iraqi Airways, established in 1945, serves as the national carrier of Iraq and operates from its hub at Baghdad International Airport (BGW). It boasts a diverse fleet of 43 aircraft and flies to 21 destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and within Iraq. Notable international destinations include cities like Berlin, Moscow, Beijing, and Dubai, reflecting its significant regional and global connectivity.

Top Articles
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM
Person in tropical shirt looking at a docked cruise ship

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Ryanair passengers boarding at airport

Ryanair Passenger Convicted After Onboard Assault

Sep 17, 2025 21:34 PM
Cat looking out airplane window during flight

Passengers Can Bring Pets on Select Australian Flights

Sep 17, 2025 20:27 PM

Temporary Rail Changes May Affect North Wales Coastal Travel

Sep 17, 2025 20:13 PM

Direct Air Link from Varna to Milan Bergamo Returns

Sep 17, 2025 19:56 PM
Modern hotel room with twin beds and warm lighting

New Lodging Opens Near Disneyland Paris for 2026 Visitors

Sep 17, 2025 19:49 PM
Swiss International Air Lines planes at Zurich Airport terminal

Zurich Airport Tests Driverless Buses, Paving the Way for Faster Internal Travel

Sep 16, 2025 22:26 PM
Railway signal light along rural tracks

Essential Rail Upgrades Bring Travel Disruptions

Sep 16, 2025 21:49 PM
Model walking runway in flowing red gown

Global Cities Open Their Doors: Travelers Gain Insider Access to Art, Fashion, and Film

Sep 16, 2025 20:33 PM
Road closed sign blocking empty street during construction

Roadworks to Affect Access to Rotterdam The Hague Airport in September and October

Sep 16, 2025 19:24 PM

Manchester Airport Expands Flights to Unusual Global Destinations

Sep 16, 2025 18:47 PM

From Pasta to Pastries: Interactive Cooking Experiences Worldwide

Sep 16, 2025 12:31 PM
Commercial airplane flying against clear sky

Daily Flights to Vilnius and Fresh Routes from Tallinn This Winter

Sep 15, 2025 22:27 PM
KLM aircraft landing during winter schedule expansion

KLM Expands Winter Flight Network with 161 Global Destinations

Sep 15, 2025 21:41 PM
Passengers waiting in line at an airport boarding gate

Air Canada Maintains Flights and Expense Support for Travelers

Sep 15, 2025 20:34 PM
Avanti West Coast train at a station platform

Avanti West Coast Increases Train Services Across Key UK Routes

Sep 15, 2025 19:29 PM

Bodrum Adds Coastal Stays for Future Visitors

Sep 15, 2025 18:43 PM

East Midlands Rail Works to Affect Weekend Travel Plans

Sep 15, 2025 17:36 PM
Scenic view of St Vincent coastline with small islands and turquoise waters

Caribbean Trips Expand Beyond Popular Destinations

Sep 14, 2025 21:25 PM
Airplane flying against cloudy sky

Norwegian Expands Direct Flights from UK to Scandinavia for Summer 2026

Sep 14, 2025 01:38 AM
Modern hotel room with twin beds and minimal decor

Waldorf Astoria Has Opened in Costa Rica Near Key Natural Attractions

Sep 13, 2025 23:46 PM
Tokyo Disneyland entrance decorated for holiday season

Tokyo Disneyland to Introduce New Holiday Parade This Winter

Sep 13, 2025 20:29 PM
Icelandair aircraft approaching runway

Icelandair Introduces Year-Round Flights Between Edinburgh and Reykjavik

Sep 13, 2025 19:33 PM

Reduced SAS Fares Support Travel Amid Storm Disruptions in Northern Sweden

Sep 13, 2025 18:44 PM

Temporary Train Changes in Sicily Could Impact Tourist Plans

Sep 13, 2025 01:27 AM
AirAsia airplane wing and logo above the clouds

New Direct Air Connections Open Between Malaysia and Pontianak

Sep 13, 2025 00:31 AM
Woman checking phone for updates

KLM Updates Newsletters with AI to Deliver Travel Insights

Sep 12, 2025 20:48 PM