Gulf Air says Iraqi ban claims are false

Gulf Air said today that claims from an Iraqi council reported in the Arabic press that the airline is banned from flying to Najaf, is false.

"Gulf Air would like to confirm that its flight between Bahrain and Najaf - Iraq operated on schedule today went without incident," the statement said.

"GF 205 departed Bahrain today early at 9.20 am landing in Najaf at 10.50 am. GF 204 outbound Najaf departed at 11.25 am and arrived back in Bahrain at 12.50 pm.

"Gulf Air would like to reiterate to its passengers that our flights to Iraq are operating as scheduled. We would urge passengers to contact the airline directly if they hear information to the contrary."