Flights from Iran to the capitals of Iraq and Oman will be cancelled as of midnight, local media reported on September 22, 2026, hours before expanded US sanctions were due to come into force. The cancellations were announced by a civil aviation spokesman, as cited by the Tasnim news agency. The spokesman stated that Baghdad and Muscat airports would no longer accept Iranian flights.
According to Tasnim, Iran's aviation authorities are in talks to reroute Baghdad flights to Najaf, a major destination for Iranian pilgrims. The agency ISNA said negotiations with Oman were also ongoing. This development comes as the US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, stated on September 21, 2026, that Iranian airlines would face difficulties operating under the weight of American sanctions.
The US blacklisted the Iranian aviation sector and threatened sanctions against any foreign organisation working with Iran's airlines earlier this month. As a result, several countries have started to enforce the ban. On September 21, 2026, Georgia barred Iranian carriers, while Mahan Air, a private Iranian airline, suspended services to Turkey at the request of the Turkish government.
The Iranian aviation sector has already been targeted for years by various sanctions. Iran has 27 airlines, most of which operate domestic routes. Iran Air, the national carrier, and Mahan Air are the two main providers operating international routes, mainly to neighbouring countries but also to Russia and China.
The restrictions further complicate the ability of Iranians to travel abroad or return to their country. Israeli-American strikes on Iran at the end of February 2026 triggered the complete closure of its airspace. Although traffic has partially resumed since then, only Iranian carriers allow passengers to leave Iran.
The impact of the US sanctions on Iran's aviation sector is expected to be significant. With many countries enforcing the ban, Iranian airlines will face difficulties operating internationally. This will likely have a major impact on the country's tourism and travel industries.
The situation remains uncertain, with ongoing negotiations between Iranian aviation authorities and their counterparts in Iraq and Oman. However, with the US sanctions set to come into force, it is clear that Iranian airlines will face significant challenges in the coming days and weeks.
Key points
- US sanctions on Iran's aviation sector are set to have a significant impact on the country's airlines and travel industry.
- Flights from Iran to Iraq and Oman have been cancelled as US sanctions take effect.
- Iranian airlines are facing significant challenges, with many countries enforcing the ban imposed by the US.
