Iranian airlines have been compelled to cancel a number of international flights following the imposition of enhanced United States sanctions targeting the nation's aviation sector, a move aimed at crippling its economy.
Georgia and Azerbaijan have officially confirmed the suspension of flights. A travel agent in Tehran informed AFP that flights to Baghdad, Muscat, and Qatar were also halted, although routes to destinations such as China remained operational. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced these new measures on Monday, describing them as part of a broader strategy to exert significant economic pressure on Iran.
Treasury Secretary Bessent stated on Wednesday that the sanctions are intended to severely restrict Iran's international travel capabilities. He indicated that potentially over 80 to 90 percent of external flights from Iran have been discontinued. Conversely, Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, attending the United Nations General Assembly, adopted a defiant stance, asserting that the Iranian people's resistance would intensify in response to escalating pressure and intimidation from the United States.
Despite the new sanctions, Iran's aviation industry has been subject to sanctions for years. It remains to be seen how broadly other countries will adhere to the latest U.S. measures. The head of Iran's national security body has threatened retaliatory actions against nations that comply. Data from FlightRadar24 indicated that a Mahan Air flight from Tehran landed in Guangzhou, China, on Wednesday, and a flight to Shanghai was scheduled to depart. China has expressed opposition to the U.S. sanctions, deeming them illegal.
Further complicating the situation, a travel agent in Tehran noted the instability, stating that ticket sales have been suspended due to the risk of cancellations. While some flights to Istanbul were scheduled, others were canceled. Connections to Turkey and Armenia on smaller Iranian airlines were reportedly still possible. Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, warned neighboring countries against cooperation with the U.S., threatening that their airports could face operational restrictions for flights to Iran.
Iranian media cited a civil aviation spokesman indicating that Baghdad and Muscat airports would no longer accept Iranian flights, though other international routes were expected to proceed as scheduled. Discussions were reportedly underway to reroute flights to Baghdad to Najaf, a significant destination for Iranian religious pilgrims. While the Iraqi government has not officially announced enforcement, sources suggest Baghdad will comply with the U.S. measures, causing concern among Iraqi travel agents who rely on these routes. Some clients are reportedly considering much longer land journeys as alternatives.
