By Kavita Mistry 
SpiceJet has announced the launch of special non-stop flights connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad with Najaf, Iraq — a major spiritual centre and home to the revered shrine of Imam Ali. With this development, SpiceJet becomes the only Indian carrier offering direct connectivity to Najaf, simplifying travel for thousands of Indian pilgrims who previously relied on complex multi-stop routes.
Flights from Mumbai to Najaf will commence on October 18, 2025, followed by services from Ahmedabad starting October 19, 2025. These special operations are designed to facilitate a seamless and comfortable pilgrimage experience ahead of the peak travel season.
Najaf holds immense significance in Islamic history and is regarded as one of the holiest cities for Muslims worldwide. In addition to Imam Ali’s shrine, the destination offers spiritually rich landmarks such as Wadi-us-Salaam, the world’s largest cemetery; the Kufa Mosque, one of Islam’s oldest places of worship; and the Great Najaf Seminary, a global centre of Shia scholarship. Its proximity to Karbala and Kufa further enhances its religious and cultural importance.
While these are being introduced as special services, the airline is also evaluating the potential of making Najaf a regular scheduled destination, subject to regulatory clearances, to cater to the growing demand for year-round faith-based travel.
“For millions of devout Indians, Najaf is a pilgrimage of a lifetime. SpiceJet is proud to be the only Indian airline to offer direct connectivity to this revered city,” said Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer, SpiceJet. “By providing these non-stop flights, we are not just offering a service; we are honouring a sacred journey and making it accessible with unmatched ease and comfort. This special service to Najaf is a testament to our commitment to serving the travel needs of our diverse communities.”
The launch forms part of SpiceJet’s ongoing expansion strategy, which includes inducting new aircraft to enhance operational capacity and broaden its network. The airline is on track to more than double its operational fleet and triple its Available Seat Kilometres (ASKM) by December 2025 through new route additions, higher frequencies, and expanded domestic and international connectivity.
This move underscores SpiceJet’s renewed focus on connecting niche markets and key international destinations while strengthening India’s religious tourism ecosystem through improved accessibility and passenger comfort.
